Israel Oluyemi
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a surge in meningitis cases across northern Nigeria.
Children aged one to 15 remain the most affected by the outbreak.
The current strain, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, is not fully covered by available vaccines.
“Available vaccine strains did not fully match the circulating serogroup C strain,” Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC Director General, said in Abuja.
Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and seasonal dry winds are driving the disease’s rapid spread.
The NCDC has increased surveillance and laboratory testing in affected states to confirm cases quickly.
“Although vaccination remains important, additional strategies are needed to effectively control ongoing outbreaks,” Dr. Idris added.
Meningitis spreads through respiratory droplets, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
The infection can become fatal within hours if untreated.
“Early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment significantly improve survival rates and reduce complications,” Dr. Idris warned.
Common symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and light sensitivity.
Dr. Idris advised Nigerians not to assume fever and headache are always malaria: “Fever and headache during the dry season should not always be assumed to be malaria.”
Seek proper diagnosis to avoid delayed treatment and possible complications.”
Health authorities urge better ventilation, avoidance of overcrowding, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and participation in vaccination campaigns.
Northern Nigeria faces a high meningitis risk from December to April, when dry, dusty weather worsens transmission.