The dying toll from the meningitis outbreak in Nigeria has elevated to 74 with instances reported in 21 of the nation’s 36 states in addition to Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed this on Thursday. It stated that in current weeks, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto states, in north-west Nigeria, bore the brunt of the outbreak.
On Thursday, the Head of Company Communication on the NCDC, Sani Datti, stated the centre has dispatched Fast Response Groups (RRTs) to the three states to deal with the rise in suspected instances and deaths of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM).
Extra on outbreak
NCDC stated that in complete for 2025, it has recorded 807 suspected instances throughout 21 states and Abuja.
“As of 26 March, 2025, a complete of 807 suspected instances and 74 deaths have been reported throughout 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a case fatality fee (CFR) of 9.2 per cent,” Mr Datti stated.
The affected states embody Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau and the FCT.
The NCDC additional famous that pattern assortment charges within the hardest-hit states are comparatively low, necessitating pressing intervention to bolster surveillance and analysis.
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Talking on the outbreak, the Director Normal of NCDC, Jide Idris, defined that the RRTs, composed of specialists in case administration, surveillance, and threat communication, will stay in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States for an preliminary interval of 14 days, with the potential of an extension if required.
Mr Idris stated the workforce is working with states’ well being authorities to fight the outbreak.
He stated, “Our workforce consists of specialists skilled in managing meningitis instances and performing lumbar puncture methods, that are important for analysis. They’re working intently with state well being authorities to comprise the outbreak and forestall additional transmission.”
The response goals embody speedy containment of the outbreak, strengthening an infection prevention and management (IPC) measures, bettering case administration, enhancing pattern assortment, and conducting neighborhood engagement actions to boost consciousness.
He emphasised the significance of strict adherence to IPC protocols by all response groups to make sure their security and minimise the danger of transmission.
He additionally assured Nigerians that the NCDC stays dedicated to supporting state governments and companions to safeguard public well being by way of well timed and efficient responses to rising well being threats.
The NCDC known as on affected states to strengthen their well being techniques and collaborate with federal authorities to curb the unfold of the illness.
In the meantime, the company urged the general public to stay vigilant, observe good hygiene, and search rapid medical consideration if signs of meningitis seem.
About meningitis
Meningitis is a severe medical situation that happens when the protecting membranes overlaying the mind and spinal wire, referred to as meninges, develop into infected.
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This irritation may result from bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, in addition to non-infectious causes like sure drugs or autoimmune issues.
The severity of meningitis largely will depend on its trigger, with bacterial meningitis being essentially the most harmful and requiring rapid medical intervention.
Viral meningitis, whereas extra frequent, is normally much less extreme, whereas fungal and parasitic meningitis are uncommon and sometimes have an effect on people with weakened immune techniques.
The signs of meningitis can embody a extreme headache, stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to mild, and confusion.
In extreme instances, seizures and lack of consciousness might happen. Infants with meningitis might show indicators reminiscent of irritability, issue feeding, and a bulging tender spot on the pinnacle.
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