No fewer than eight people have been reported dead in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State as a result of the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis, which is usually caused by hot weather.The Executive Director in the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHDA), Usman Ndanusa, who confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) today, Wednesday, in Minna, the State capital, admitted that the agency has not done cerebrospinal meningitis immunization this year because of lack of vaccine.
Ndanusa, who is a Pharmacist, listed Magama, Borgu, Agwara and Mariga Rijau local government areas as the flashpoints of the disease, even as only Borgu has so far lost eight people to the scourge from March till date.
He said that the only thing the Agency has embarked on now is the sensitization of the people to prevent the disease from spreading to neighbouring local government areas.
“The agency has carried out sensitization to market places, garages and Local Government Areas,” he said.
“While we are awaiting the federal government intervention for the vaccine, we are calling on all and sundry to live a healthy lifestyle while the heat lasts.”
Ndanusa said that it is absurd that the disease keeps on claiming lives annually because people see it as a jinx or evil spirit that can be handled traditionally instead of by orthodox medicine, even as he called on residents to prevent the disease by living a healthy lifestyle.
“A rich immune system can help prevent an infection from the viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis.
“People should strive to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins aside this, good exercise is very necessary as well as regular bath.”
Ndanusa advised the people to drink plenty of water and try to get quality sleep by making sure their houses are well ventilated.
