The Gombe State government has confirmed three fatalities and 31 positive cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) as of March 27, 2025. The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, during a media briefing held at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
According to Dr. Dahiru, 70 suspected cases have been identified across nine local government areas (LGAs), with 63 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected—an 83% sample collection rate. “Of these, 31 have tested positive for CSM, and sadly, we’ve lost three lives,” he stated.
In response to the wider outbreak, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to affected states, including Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina, to contain the spread.
Health authorities have urged the public to report symptoms early and adhere to preventive guidelines, especially as the dry season, typically associated with increased meningitis transmission, continues across northern Nigeria.
A statement from NCDC, signed by Head of Corporate Communications Sani Datti, confirmed a surge in cases.
NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris, said deployed teams would remain in the affected states for an initial 14-day period, with the possibility of an extension.