•2,765 suspected, 303 confirmed cases in 30 states
By Chioma Obinna

No less than 190 deaths,, 2,765 suspected cases, and 303 confirmed cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, CSM, were reported in Nigeria between 2022 and 2023, according to information released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC.

The agency said that 140 Local Government Areas in 30 States, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, recorded the fatalities and illnesses.

The development was revealed in a Cerebrospinal Meningitis Public Health Advisory signed by the Director-General of the NCDC,Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the thin layer of connective tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.

Adetifa said that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is striving to prevent, detect, and respond to the cases of CSM.

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

Adetifa said the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria occurs in the “Meningitis Belt” which includes all 19 states in the Northern region, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and some southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun.

“Despite significant progress in surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and vaccination over the last few years, CSM remains a priority disease and ever-present public health threat in Nigeria with annual outbreaks in highburden states that present a challenge for people, health systems, economies, and communities.”

He said NCDC, in collaboration with MDAs and partners through the CSM TWG, has ensured enhanced coordination, collaboration, and communication for CSM response in Nigeria by alerting state governments and public health authorities at the beginning of the season, the heightened risk of a CSM outbreak, and the need for resource mobilisation for preparedness and response activities.

Other strategies include 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.

“There is ongoing surveillance in all states through routine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) and Event-Based Surveillance (EBS). Provision of offsite and onsite support to States and follow-up for daily reporting and progress with response activities.

Preposition and distribution of case management and laboratory consumables to aid outbreak response. Risk communication to create public awareness of CSM prevention measures as well as signs and symptoms. Sample collection for laboratory diagnosis of suspected cases across the CSM network of laboratories to aid case management.

Deployment of a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to Jigawa state to investigate report of
rising cases and providing medical and laboratory commodities to aid the State’s response and deployment by the Bauchi State Ministry of Health RRT to investigate reports of CSM
cases.”

He advised Nigerians to ensure they received the appropriate vaccination required to protect against meningities.

“Avoid close and prolonged contact with a confirmed case of CSM, including relatives. Avoid overcrowding in households, smoking, and practice proper respiratory hygiene when coughing or sneezing.”

He urged Nigerians to discourage indoor air pollution, such as indoor cooking over open flames.

The NCDC boss urged Nigerians to also 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.

“Healthcare workers are advised always to practice standard infection prevention and control practices: i.e., wear gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment while handling patients or providing care to an ill patient, among others.”