Cerebrospinal meningitis killed 78 people in Kano since the outbreak of the disease in December last year, according to reports released by the state's ministry of health yesterday.

Also, 2999 others were hospitalised across the 44 local government councils of the state. State commissioner for health Hajiya Aisha Isiyaku Kiru, who released the report, however told newsmen in Kano yesterday that the outbreak was now under control largely due to sustained measures by the state government.

The outbreak was mostly reported in nine local government areas of Garun Malam, Bebeji, Tsanyawa, Kibiya, Karaye, Kunchi, Kiru, Dambatta and Makoda, she said. According to her, 240,000 people would be vaccinated net week.

The commissioner also said 400 communities were combed with 100.000 people vaccinated within a short period of time to reduce the impact of the disease.

Kiru said 49,745 people were vaccinated in Bichi, Wudil, Bagwai, Gwarzo, Dawakin Kudu and Tofa. While describing inadequate vaccination as a major constraint against fighting the disease, she lamented the fact that states could not purchase the drugs directly.

She said the Federal Government released more than 366,000 doses of the CSM vaccines while UNICEF donated 700 oily chloramphenicol to the state.

The commissioner also said the state government was working in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, EU and other international coordinating group to tackle the menace in the state.