KDSG takes measures against disease

The Kaduna State Government on Monday said it had taken proactive measures to tackle meningitis in the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Humanity, Dr Manya Dogo, made this known at a news conference after the state executive council meeting in Kaduna .

He said the state government had placed disease and notification officers across the 23 local governments on alert.

He added that the state government had directed hospital medical directors to report any case of meningitis and promptly treat those infected.

The commissioner said that the state Drugs Management Agency was ordered to make drugs available for the treatment of meningitis.

On mass vaccination against the disease, Dogo said that could only be done when there was an epidemic.

He urged the public to quickly visit hospital when experiencing symptoms like headache, stiffness of neck and high fever and also advised against overcrowding.

In another development, the state Ministry of Health had presented a proposal on care of elderly persons, especially those suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

According to the commissioner, the proposal, when approved will provide cash cover for the beneficiaries, in collaboration with pharmaceutical company.

There was an outbreak of meningitis in some states of the federation, especially in the north, including the Federal Capital Territory in March.

The health problem was linked to the hot weather condition in the areas, as well as overcrowding.