By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that 361 deaths from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) were recorded between 2023 and 2024.

This toll comes from a total of 4,915 suspected cases and 380 confirmed cases across 174 local government areas in 24 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

At a news briefing in Abuja, the NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, provided an update: “In 2023/2024, Nigeria recorded 4,915 suspected and 380 confirmed cases with 361 deaths across 174 local government areas in 24 states, including the FCT.”

He added that 2,281,750 doses of the meningitis vaccine Men5CV-ACWYX were administered in Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Yobe states, covering 134 wards in 13 local government areas. The vaccination campaign targeted individuals aged 1 to 29, comprising approximately 70% of the population.

Dr. Idris issued a public health advisory, explaining that CSM occurs due to acute inflammation of the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord, which may be triggered by bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, certain drugs, or injuries.

“CSM is an epidemic-prone disease with cases reported year-round in Nigeria,” he said. “However, the dry season—with dust, winds, cold nights, and frequent respiratory infections—increases the risk of infection, especially in crowded areas with poor ventilation.”

He noted that the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria is concentrated 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, and Osun.

Despite recent advances in surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccination, Dr. Idris emphasized that CSM remains a priority disease and a persistent public health threat in Nigeria. He called it an ongoing challenge for health systems, economies, and communities in high-burden areas.

He advised the public to be aware that CSM spreads through direct person-to-person contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected individuals, and close, prolonged contact with those infected.

“CSM initially presents with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, and changes in consciousness,” Dr. Idris explained. “In younger children, signs may include irritability, poor feeding, and inactivity.”

While meningitis can affect people of all ages, certain groups are particularly at risk: young children (especially those unvaccinated), individuals living in overcrowded households, smokers, those exposed to poor ventilation or indoor air pollution (such as from wood or charcoal cooking), and individuals with poor hygiene practices.

Healthcare workers and contacts of infected persons are also at risk if they lack proper infection prevention and control measures.

Dr. Idris urged healthcare providers to promptly report all suspected CSM cases to their local government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer to ensure timely healthcare access. “Early identification and treatment are essential for saving lives,” he added.