JUST-IN:FG warns Nigerians against outbreak of meningitis

The Federal government has warned Nigerians about the increased risk of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) during the dry season, characterized by dust, winds, and cold nights, saying that in 2023, 190 lives were lost to this disease.

It said the warning becomes important as the weather condition brings with it frequent upper respiratory tract infections that increase the risk of infection, especially with crowding and poor ventilation.

In the 2022/2023 period, Nigeria reported 2,765 suspected and 303 confirmed cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), resulting in 190 deaths.

These cases were spread across 140 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 30 States, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as stated by Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

According to him, the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria occurs in the “Meningitis Belt” which includes all 19 states in the Northern region, FCT, and some southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun.

Adetifa, in a public health advisor issued on Thursday, however, assured that the government is working to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of the disease.

He noted that though, despite significant progress in surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and vaccination over the last few years, CSM remains a priority disease and ever-present public health threat in Nigeria with annual outbreaks in high-burden states that present a challenge for people, health systems, economies, and communities.

However, he said the NCDC, in collaboration with MDAs and partners through the CSM TWG, has implemented several measures to ensure enhanced coordination, collaboration, and communication for CSM response in Nigeria.

Among other preventive measures, he said: “At the beginning of the season, all State Governments and public health authorities

were alerted to the heightened risk of a CSM outbreak and the need for resource mobilisation for preparedness and response activities.

“Routine meetings of the National multi-sectoral CSM TWG to coordinate prevention and preparedness activities.

“Regular communication with high-burden states to ascertain status, progress, and challenges.

Adetifa advised that it is important to ensure that everyone received the appropriate vaccination required to protect against meningitis while avoiding close and prolonged contact with a confirmed case of CSM including relatives.

He also warned that smoking and overcrowding in households should be avoided, in addition to practicing proper respiratory hygiene when coughing or sneezing.

The NCDC chief also warned that indoor air pollution, such as indoor cooking over open flames should be discouraged.

“Practice good personal and hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap under

running water or using hand sanitisers when necessary.

“Always keep your environment clean.

“Visit the nearest health facility immediately if you notice any of the signs and symptoms

associated with CSM mentioned earlier or call the State Ministry of Health hotline or

6232 (NCDC toll-free line).

“Avoid self-medication to prevent antimicrobial resistance and ensure proper diagnosis

and early treatment”, he added.

The advisory also urged healthcare workers to practice standard infection prevention and

control practices, by wearing gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment

while handling patients or providing care to an ill patient, among other preventive measures.

Meningitis occurs when there is an acute inflammation of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord. CSM is an epidemic-prone disease with cases reported all year round in Nigeria.

The disease is transmitted through direct person-to-person contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected persons, in addition to lose and prolonged contact with an infected individual, among others.