The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 85 deaths from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) across 22 states in Nigeria. This was disclosed in a statement released over the weekend in Abuja.
In response to the escalating outbreak, the NCDC has activated a National Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate the national response. Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, provided this update in the latest situation report, revealing that 1,625 cases were recorded between October 2023 and March 23, 2024.
“We have activated the Emergency Operations Centre to mobilize resources, enhance coordination, and ensure a rapid, data-driven response across all affected states,” Dr. Idris stated.
The outbreak has severely impacted states such as Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Zamfara, which together account for over 90 percent of the confirmed cases. According to the latest epidemiological report, 93 local government areas across 22 states have reported infections, with 49 LGAs confirming at least one laboratory-proven case.
Dr. Idris highlighted the collaborative efforts underway, saying: “We are working closely with partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to strengthen surveillance, case management, and implement reactive vaccination campaigns where necessary.”
The 2023/2024 meningitis outbreak has seen a case fatality rate of 5%, notably higher than the 3.7% recorded during the previous season. Children aged between 5 and 14 years remain the most affected demographic. The predominant strain, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NmC), accounts for 89.8% of confirmed cases.
The NCDC also noted several challenges hindering effective control of the outbreak, including low vaccination coverage, inadequate health infrastructure, delayed healthcare-seeking behavior, and limited access to laboratory diagnostics.
Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures, such as avoiding overcrowded spaces and seeking immediate medical care if they experience symptoms like sudden fever, headache, neck stiffness, or vomiting.
“We also call on state governments to intensify public awareness campaigns and improve access to vaccines, especially in high-risk areas,” he appealed.
Nigeria’s “meningitis belt,” which spans across the northern region, remains particularly vulnerable during the dry season months of November to May, when the disease is most prevalent.
