Several Nigerian states are grappling with outbreaks and heightened risks of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), a severe infection of the brain and spinal cord linings. Kano State is monitoring 23 suspected cases, while Kebbi State has reported a staggering 55 deaths. Compounding the crisis, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warns that worsening weather conditions in the northern regions significantly increase the risk of further outbreaks.

In Kano State, Dr. Aminu Sudawa, Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology at the Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that 23 suspected meningitis cases are under investigation. Samples have been collected and sent for laboratory confirmation. Dr. Sudawa emphasized the state government's commitment to preventing a full-blown outbreak through intensified monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and training programs for healthcare workers.

“So far, 23 suspected cases have been detected and samples have been sent for confirmation. Between now and June, due to the excessive heat, we will be monitoring closely to prevent an outbreak. Our health workers are on high alert, and we will continue public sensitisation,” Dr. Sudawa stated. He urged residents to avoid crowded environments, ensure adequate ventilation, maintain strict personal hygiene, and practice frequent hand washing.

Dr. Sudawa specifically cautioned about the vulnerability of crowded places such as correctional centers, schools, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps, where large numbers of people share accommodations.

The situation in Kebbi State is dire. As of Wednesday, the death toll from the meningitis outbreak across Jega, Gwandu, Aliero, Bunza, and Birnin Kebbi local government areas has reached 55, according to a senior government official. This marks a significant increase from the 26 deaths initially reported the previous week.

Dr. Nuhu Koko, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, provided a breakdown of the fatalities: 25 in Gwandu (the hardest-hit area), 16 in Jega, and 14 in Aliero. Initially, many deaths were misattributed to malaria, as victims did not seek timely medical diagnosis.

Reports later indicated that people were succumbing to symptoms indicative of meningitis, including fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, and dizziness.

Jafaru Abubakar, a resident of Jega with affected family members, described the initial confusion surrounding the outbreak. “We didn’t know it was CSM, but what surprised us is that some of the people who suffered from the disease that looks like fever died suddenly. We also observed that some strange things happened to them before they died. Some had stiff necks while others were vomiting excessively.”

Dr. Koko confirmed that 653 suspected cases have been recorded in five local government areas. “From the samples sent and confirmation received from the reference centre we now know we are dealing with cases of meningitis. Seventeen samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation out of which five sample results returned negative and five were positive,” he said.

He attributed the high death toll to self-medication, emphasizing that many victims sought medical attention too late, leading to severe complications. Saa’du Yahaya, a resident of Aliero, shared the story of his younger sister's survival, crediting her timely treatment at the general hospital.

Tragically, five students of the state’s University of Science and Technology, Aliero, including two final-year students, also died from the disease. Overcrowding and poor sanitation were cited as contributing factors to the outbreak within the university. Despite the deaths, the university administration has opted not to close the institution, fearing that infected students might spread the disease further. Instead, the school clinic has been converted into an isolation center.

The Ministry of Health has initiated advocacy visits to stakeholders and partnered with organizations like WHO, MSF, and UNICEF for detailed outbreak investigation. Drug distribution and training programs for clinicians are underway in affected areas. Governor Nasir Idris has approved the immediate release of N30 million to support intervention activities, including the procurement of emergency drugs, surveillance, the establishment of isolation centers, case management, vaccination campaigns, and public awareness initiatives.

The state has received 3,000 doses of CSM vaccines from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, distributed across the affected communities. Dr. Koko added that all five confirmed case patients have been treated and discharged. The state is awaiting results for seven additional samples sent to the National Reference Centre in Abuja.

Kebbi State has experienced recurring seasonal meningitis outbreaks since 2015, with Aliero Local Government Area consistently reporting a disproportionately high number of cases. Dr. Umar Kangiwa, Chief Consultant on Epidemiology at the Federal Teaching Hospital Birnin Kebbi, stressed the importance of preventive measures and public education to reduce the impact of these outbreaks. He also emphasized the need for well-equipped healthcare personnel to identify and diagnose suspected cases accurately.

The state government has issued a series of public health advisories, urging residents to report suspected cases immediately, avoid overcrowded and poorly ventilated spaces, maintain personal and environmental hygiene, avoid visiting isolation centers, and refrain from self-medication. Vaccination at designated centers is strongly encouraged.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning about the increased risk of Meningococcal meningitis outbreaks across Northern Nigeria due to worsening weather conditions. Dust particles, high heat, and humidity are expected to rise over the next three days, creating a conducive environment for the spread of the disease.

NiMet specifically identified Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, and Borno states as being particularly vulnerable. The agency emphasized that infants, young children, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and individuals with head injuries are at the highest risk.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced plans to deploy a rapid response team to Kebbi State to help contain the ongoing outbreak.

According to the NCDC, meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can be caused by bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections, as well as injuries and certain drugs.

Meningitis is transmitted through direct person-to-person contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected individuals, and close or prolonged contact with an infected person.

Initial symptoms of CSM include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light), neck stiffness, and altered consciousness. In young children, symptoms may be more subtle, presenting as irritability, poor feeding, and inactivity.

Preventive measures recommended by NiMet and the NCDC include vaccination, maintaining good hygiene (regular hand washing), and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.