Nigeria Records 807 Meningitis Cases, 74 Deaths

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said it has dispatched Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States following a surge in Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases.

NCDC, in a statement on Thursday, said as of March 26, 2025, the outbreak has led to 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths across 22 states, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 9.2 per cent.

It said that the outbreak has now spread across 22 states, including Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The statement explained that the most affected states, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto, have reported the highest number of cases and fatalities, as well as low sample collection rates, necessitating urgent intervention.

Meningitis is a severe infection of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a life-threatening disease and continues to pose a significant public health challenge.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), while various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause meningitis, bacteria meningitis accounts for the highest global burden.

NCDC said that the response teams, comprising experts in case management, surveillance, and lumbar puncture techniques, were working closely with state health authorities to curb the outbreak.

It explained that the primary objectives of the team include rapid containment of the outbreak, strengthening case management and IPC measures, enhancing surveillance and increasing sample collection, conducting risk communication and community engagement and identifying the outbreak’s source and recommending public health measures.

The Director – General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, stated that the deployed teams would remain in the affected states for an initial 14-day period, with an option to extend if necessary.

He emphasised the need for strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols to ensure the safety of health workers and communities.