NCDC intensifies effort to combat meningitis outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has demonstrated proactive approach in combating Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) outbreak in the country.

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Director-General of the centre, Ifedayo Adetifa, told the Newsmen on Thursday in Abuja that the approach included enhanced surveillance, vaccination campaigns and public awareness.

He added that the centre also strengthened healthcare infrastructure to control the spread of the disease and protect the health of Nigerians.

He explained that “CSM occurs when there is acute inflammation of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord; an epidemic-prone
disease with cases reported all-year-round in the country.

“However, weather conditions like the dry season that comes with dust, wind, cold nights, and frequent upper respiratory tract infections increase the risk of infection, especially with crowding and poor ventilation.

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

He said that Nigeria recorded 2,765 suspected and 303 confirmed cases in 2022/2023, with 190 deaths across 140 local government areas in 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He, however, emphasised that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the NCDC is working to prevent, detect and respond to cases of CSM.

He cautioned against crowding, indoor air pollution and prolonged contact with confirmed CSM cases, including relatives, and encouraged regular hand hygiene and clean environment.

The NCDC boss, who listed fever, headache, nausea, photophobia and neck stiffness as symptoms of CSM, urged Nigerians to visit the nearest health facility if they notice any of the signs, or call the State Ministry of Health hotline or 6232 (NCDC toll-free line).

He advised healthcare workers to adhere to infection prevention measures to check spread of the disease.

NAN/Wumi