A deadly meningitis outbreak has swept across 23 states, claiming at least 151 lives and leaving 1,826 suspected cases in its wake. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an urgent warning, highlighting the severity of the crisis and the strain it is placing on the country’s healthcare system.
According to the NCDC’s Epidemiological Week 12 Report, the outbreak has disproportionately affected children aged 5-14, with males accounting for 60% of suspected cases. The hardest-hit states include Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, Oyo, and Bauchi, with Kebbi and Sokoto reporting the highest number of cases.
Health officials have identified Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NmC) as the dominant strain, responsible for 27% of confirmed cases, followed by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (NmW) at 13.5%. Other strains detected include Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has intensified surveillance efforts, sample collection, and public awareness campaigns. Vaccination drives are being prioritised in high-risk areas, while health authorities urge Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.
The outbreak has raised concerns about Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, with experts calling for urgent intervention to prevent further fatalities. The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with state governments, is working to deploy medical resources and improve access to treatment in affected regions.
As the crisis unfolds, the NCDC continues to monitor the situation, urging communities to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures. The agency has assured Nigerians that efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations.
