Gombe State has confirmed three deaths from cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) as of March 27, 2025, and health officials are urging residents to take immediate precautions. During a media briefing at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Habu Dahiru, the state’s Commissioner for Health, provided updates on the ongoing outbreak, revealing that 70 suspected cases of CSM had been reported across nine local government areas (LGAs), with 31 testing positive for the disease.
Despite the alarming numbers, Dr. Dahiru reassured the public that the situation was under control, stressing that the outbreak remains limited to specific areas. He declared that epidemic thresholds have been reached in wards within Kaltungo, Yamaltu-Deba, and Gombe LGAs, where active cases are being monitored closely.
“CSM is a preventable and curable disease,” Dr. Dahiru emphasized, urging anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck pain, convulsions, or confusion to seek immediate medical care to avoid serious complications or death.
The commissioner also pointed out that the disease is transmitted via respiratory droplets from infected individuals, and overcrowded living conditions significantly increase the risk of transmission. To help curb the spread, Dahiru urged residents to reduce overcrowding, stay hydrated during the hot season, and practice good hygiene.
“We are working swiftly to distribute essential drugs and other medical supplies from our strategic reserves to hospitals, where treatment is being provided free of charge for all CSM cases,” he added.
In addition to medical interventions, Dahiru confirmed that a comprehensive social mobilization campaign is underway to educate communities about CSM symptoms, treatment centers, and preventive measures. The state has also trained healthcare workers in performing lumbar punctures, a key diagnostic procedure for CSM.
Gombe’s health team is collaborating with national and international health agencies, including the NCDC, WHO, and MSF, and is committed to providing regular updates on the situation as vaccines for the most vulnerable populations become available.
Dr. Dahiru concluded by urging the public to stay vigilant and take preventive actions seriously, as the fight against CSM continues.
