The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 85 deaths from cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in 22 states across the country, prompting the activation of a National Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate response efforts.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, disclosed this in the situation report for this week while addressing the escalating outbreak, which has infected 1,625 people between October 2023 and March 23, 2024.
“We have activated the Emergency Operations Centre to galvanise resources, improve coordination and ensure a rapid, data-driven response across all affected states,” he said.
The worst-hit states include Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Zamfara, which account for over 90 percent of all confirmed cases.
According to NCDC’s latest epidemiological report, 93 local government areas in 22 states have been affected, with 49 LGAs reporting at least one laboratory-confirmed case of meningitis.
Dr. Idris emphasised the collaborative nature of the intervention: “We’re working closely with partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to ensure effective surveillance, case management, and reactive vaccination where necessary.”
The 2023/2024 outbreak has seen a higher case fatality rate (5%) compared to the previous season (3.7%), with children between the ages of 5 and 14 being the most affected group. The dominant strain identified is Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NmC), responsible for 89.8 percent of confirmed cases.
The NCDC noted that many affected communities face challenges such as low vaccination coverage, inadequate health infrastructure, delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour, and poor access to laboratory testing, which complicate efforts to control the outbreak.
Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to take preventive measures, such as avoiding overcrowded environments and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms like sudden fever, headache, neck stiffness, and vomiting occur.
“We also call on state governments to intensify awareness and improve access to vaccines, especially in high-risk areas,” he added.
The meningitis belt in Nigeria, stretching across the north, remains highly vulnerable during the dry season months of November to May, when the disease is most prevalent.