Dr. Habu Dahiru, the Commissioner for Health, disclosed this at a press conference on Thursday in Gombe, noting that 24 patients have been treated and discharged.
Key Details of the Outbreak
- 70 suspected cases have been identified across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs).
- 63 samples have been collected, with 31 cases testing positive for CSM.
- The epidemic threshold has been reached in Kaltungo, Yamaltu-Deba, and Gombe LGAs, prompting an official declaration of an outbreak.
Dahiru attributed the three deaths to late arrival at health facilities, stressing the importance of early detection and treatment.
Symptoms & Preventive Measures
CSM is a preventable and curable disease, but it can cause severe complications like deafness and seizures if not treated promptly.
Symptoms include:
- High-grade fever
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Neck pain
- Convulsions
- Altered consciousness
Dahiru urged Gombe residents to be vigilant and report suspected cases immediately for medical intervention.
How CSM Spreads & How to Stay Safe
CSM is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets from infected persons. Overcrowding significantly increases transmission risk.
To curb the spread, residents are advised to:
- Minimize overcrowding in homes and public spaces
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather
- Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene
The government has promised regular updates as the situation evolves and urged citizens to prioritize preventive measures to contain the outbreak.