Nigerians have been made aware of the Cerebrospinal Meningitis epidemic by the Federal Government.
An inflammation of the fluid and three membranes (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord is known as meningitis.
The sickness is more common during the dry season, which is accompanied by dust, winds, and chilly nights, according to the authorities, which is why the warning was issued.
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The disease claimed 190 deaths across the country last year, according to the FG.
According to the 2022/2023 statistics released by the Director General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ifedayo Adetufa, Nigeria recorded 2,765 suspected and 303 confirmed cases of meningitis with 190 deaths across 140 local government areas in 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the head of the NCDC, the “Meningitis Belt,” which comprises all 19 of the country’s northern states, the Federal Capital Territory, and a few states in the south like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun, has the highest rate of CSM in Nigeria.
In a public health advisory released on Thursday, Adetufa stated that although vaccination rates have significantly increased in recent years, CSM is still a priority illness and a constant threat to public health in Nigeria.
He stated that people, health systems, economy, and communities are all at risk from the disease’s yearly outbreaks in places with high rates of infection.
Adetufa, however, gave Nigerians the reassurance that efforts are being made by the government to stop, identify, and treat the illness.
He said the NCDC, in partnership with ministries, departments, agencies, and partners through the CSM TWG, has implemented many measures to ensure increased coordination, collaboration, and communication for response across the country.
“All state governments and public health authorities were alerted to the heightened risk of a CSM outbreak and the need for resource mobilization for preparedness and response activities at the beginning of the season,” he said, listing other precautionary steps.
The national multi-sectoral CSM TWG convened on a regular basis to plan and coordinate preventive and readiness initiatives.
“With high-burden states, regular communication was held to ascertain status, progress, and challenges.”
Adetufa said it is crucial to ensure that everyone receives the proper immunization required to defend against meningitis while avoiding close and extended contact with a confirmed case of CSM, including families.
In addition to advising against smoking and stifling in close quarters, the head of the BCDC also stressed the importance of maintaining good respiratory hygiene when sneezing or coughing.