The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has issued a warning to citizens regarding the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), emphasizing the heightened risk during the dry season.
According to recent statistics for the 2022/2023 period, the country recorded 2,765 suspected and 303 confirmed cases, resulting in 190 deaths across 140 local government areas in 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Ifedayo Adetifa, highlighted the increased susceptibility to infection due to upper respiratory tract infections in crowded and poorly ventilated conditions during this weather. The majority of Cerebrospinal Meningitis cases are concentrated in the “Meningitis Belt,” covering 19 northern states, the FCT, and some southern states.
In response to the outbreak, Adetifa assured the public that the government is actively working to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of the disease. Despite advancements in surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccination, CSM remains a significant public health threat in Nigeria. Adetifa stressed the importance of vaccination, avoiding close contact with confirmed cases, and practicing respiratory hygiene. Additionally, he warned against smoking and household overcrowding.
The government has implemented collaborative measures and preventive actions, including regular communication with high-burden states to assess status, progress, and challenges. Adetifa urged state governments and public health authorities to mobilize resources for preparedness and response activities, emphasizing the need for enhanced coordination and communication across the country. As the dry season heightens the risk of CSM outbreaks, these measures aim to mitigate the impact on 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.
