Death toll in meningitis outbreak hits 500

The current meningitis outbreak in Nigeria has so far
killed at least 489 people, the health minister, Isaac
Adewole, said Tuesday.
Mr. Adewole said 4,637 cases of cerebrospinal
meningitis were recorded across the country by
Monday.
The ministry had announced 428 deaths recorded on
Friday.
The minister gave the latest figure during an emergency meeting of northern state governors and traditional rulers on Tuesday in Kaduna.
 The affected states areZamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Adamawa  and Kebbi states.

Early symptoms of meningitis broadly include:
Vomiting
Nausea
Muscle pain
High temperature (fever )
Headache
Cold hands and feet
A rash that does not fade under pressure. This rash might start as a few small spots in any part of the body - it may spread rapidly and look like fresh bruises. This happens because blood has leaked into tissue under the skin. The rash or spots may initially fade, and then come back.
In babies, you should look out for at least one of the following symptoms:
a high-pitched, moaning cry
a bulging fontenelle
being difficult to wake
floppy and listless or stiff with jerky movements
refusing feeds
rapid/ unusual/ difficult breathing pale or blotchy skin red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure
In older children, you should look out for:
a stiff neck severe pains and aches in your back and joints
sleepiness or confusion
a very bad headache (alone, not a reason to seek medical help)
a dislike of bright lights
very cold hands and feet
shivering
rapid breathing
red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure

Now arises the issue of diversion of the vaccines
 Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State has
threatened to deal with anyone caught diverting drugs meant for treating meningitis patients in the state.
The governor issued the warning on Monday while
speaking to journalists over suspected cases of
diversion of the drugs.
Yari said the state government had made adequate
provision to contain the disease since it first manifested
in Gora ward of Birnin-Magaji Local Government Area
of the state.