An outbreak of meningitis in Nigeria's northwestern state of Sokoto has killed at least five people, according to he official News Agency of Nigeria.
The cases of Cerebra Spinal Meningitis (CSM) have occurred in Sabon-Birni local government area. Initial figures reveal that at least 14 people have been infected with CSM. An outbreak of measles has also been reported in the area, but as of now there are no fatalities. The Sokoto State Ministry of Health has sent in emergency teams, drugs and essential supplies to the affected areas. Alhaji Maccido Dogon-Daji, acting director of the Medical Services has already disbursed vaccines and drugs to the local governments and has urged them to be judicious in their use.Meningitis is basically an inflammation of the coverings of the brain, called meninges. Some of the classic symptoms of the disease are fever, vomiting, intense headache, and stiffness in the neck. It is often caused by a bacteria or a virus.
