Jigawa Residents Express Fear Of CMS Outbreak Over Excessive Heat

SULE-LAMIDOWORRIED by the extreme high temperatures in the North in recent days, residents of Dutse have expressed fear over possible outbreak of Cerebral Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in the state.

There are reports of the outbreak of the disease in neighbouring states.

According to Suleiman Halibu, a resident: “The erratic power supply in the state is also adding to the risk of the pandemic, because power supply has dropped drastically to the extent that we go to bed without light and some times for days, there is no sign of improvement, as the situation keeps getting worse.”

He said most families now sleep outside their houses, with the attendant risk of mosquitoes bites.

The Chief Medical Director of Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital in Dutse, Dr. Salisu Muazu, said there was no record of any victim so far in the hospital, but advised the people to observe the primary healthcare rules and sleep only in well-ventilated rooms.

He disclosed that the first round of vaccination took place some months ago and urged residents to ensure they are vaccinated.

His counterpart at the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin-Kudu, Dr. Dada Maigatari, also said there has been no report of any outbreak, but equally stressed vaccination.

He counseled against staying in crowded rooms, while more trees should be planted.

The state Commissioner of Health, Hassana Hussaini Adamu, declined comment on what measures government has put in place to control any outbreak of CSM, saying: “I don’t have time for media men.”