The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that the death toll from the ongoing cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak in the country has now reached 151. In response to the growing health crisis, multi-sectoral Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) have been activated in six states, as authorities continue to combat the deadly disease. The states affected include Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto.
A situation report released by the NCDC on Sunday, March 23, 2025, revealed that as of March 17, a total of 1,826 suspected cases of meningitis had been reported across 23 states, with the majority of cases concentrated in 10 states. The current case fatality rate stands at 8.3%, as the country grapples with the spread of the disease.
According to the NCDC, the situation has prompted an urgent response at the local and state levels to contain the outbreak, with surveillance teams working around the clock to track suspected cases. Emergency Operation Centres have been activated in the worst-hit states, and health officials are on high alert, coordinating efforts to control the spread of the disease.
The NCDC’s report highlights that 94% of the reported cases have come from just 10 states: Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Sokoto, Borno, Adamawa, Oyo, and Bauchi. Among these, Kebbi state has been particularly affected, accounting for 881 of the total suspected cases. Other states like Katsina (158 cases), Jigawa (147 cases), and Sokoto (303 cases) have also recorded significant numbers of infections.
The NCDC also provided a breakdown of local government areas (LGAs) that have seen the highest number of suspected cases. These include Gwandu in Kebbi (313 cases), Tambuwal in Sokoto (155 cases), and Aleiro in Kebbi (143 cases), among others. These areas are currently the focus of urgent intervention efforts to curb the spread of the disease and reduce the number of fatalities.
In the week between March 17 and March 23, a total of 315 new suspected cases were reported across three states: Kebbi, Sokoto, and Yobe. This period also saw 14 new deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 151. Despite these troubling figures, the NCDC reported a 65% decrease in the number of new cases compared to the previous week, offering some hope that the situation may be stabilizing.
The NCDC, in collaboration with state governments and local health authorities, has intensified efforts to respond to the meningitis outbreak. Health officials have been collecting samples from affected areas for laboratory analysis. A total of 60 samples were gathered during the reporting period from nine states, including Adamawa, Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Bauchi.
Cerebrospinal meningitis, caused by a bacterial infection, is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can spread rapidly in crowded environments. The disease is marked by symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, and nausea, which can quickly progress to more severe complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, and death if left untreated.
The NCDC has assured the public that the necessary measures are being taken to prevent further spread of the disease. Surveillance activities are being enhanced across affected states, with health workers on the ground conducting regular checks and educating communities about the symptoms and preventive measures.
Meningitis outbreaks are not new to Nigeria, as the country has experienced several similar incidents in the past. However, the current outbreak has raised concerns due to the scale of the spread and the high number of fatalities. While vaccines are available to protect against the disease, outbreaks often occur when vaccination coverage is insufficient or when there are delays in responding to early warning signs.
The Nigerian government, along with international health organizations, is working to ensure that affected populations have access to vaccines and appropriate medical treatment. Efforts to improve awareness about the disease and its prevention are also being ramped up, especially in the most vulnerable regions.
In addition to the immediate medical response, the NCDC is calling for better preparedness in dealing with future outbreaks. This includes strengthening public health infrastructure, improving surveillance systems, and ensuring that emergency response teams are ready to act quickly when new cases emerge.
The situation remains critical, with the potential for the disease to spread further if prompt and effective measures are not taken. The NCDC is urging the public to be vigilant, especially in the affected areas, and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of meningitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing severe outcomes and reducing the risk of death.
The government has also reassured citizens that efforts are underway to provide the necessary medical supplies and personnel to the most affected areas. The ongoing response to the outbreak will continue to focus on case management, vaccination, and public education to reduce the spread of the disease.
