In a recent development, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) emphasised the urgency of recognising meningitis symptoms for early intervention.
The NCDC, through its official website, declared meningitis as a severe disease requiring immediate medical attention to ensure effective treatment.
According to the NCDC, common symptoms include a sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion and, in some cases, a skin rash. It stressed that symptoms might vary based on age, with infants displaying irritability, poor feeding, and a bulging fontanelle, while older adults may experience confusion, difficulty concentrating and muscle aches.
The public health agency strongly urged Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention if they or someone they know exhibits these symptoms, especially if they are severe or sudden. Early diagnosis and treatment, it emphasised, are critical in preventing serious complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or death.
Meanwhile, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) issued a call for continued vigilance against meningitis, urging Nigerians to recognise symptoms like high fever, headache and stiff neck while ensuring vaccination for themselves and their loved ones.
To protect against meningitis, the NPHCDA advised Nigerians to prioritise vaccination, emphasising consultation with healthcare providers to determine the most suitable vaccine. Additionally, it stressed the importance of good hygiene, including regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. The agency recommended avoiding crowded places, as meningitis can spread rapidly in such environments, particularly during outbreaks.
The NPHCDA underscored the need for prompt medical attention for anyone experiencing symptoms like fever, headache, stiff neck, and confusion. Early diagnosis and treatment, it emphasised, are crucial in preventing severe complications.
By taking these precautions, Nigerians can actively safeguard themselves and their loved ones from the potentially deadly effects of meningitis. Stay informed and stay safe.
In a related development, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) issued a warning about prevailing weather conditions favouring the prevalence of meningitis outbreaks in Nigeria. NiMet, through its official channels, highlighted that states like Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno are highly susceptible to meningitis outbreaks.
NiMet classified states like Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Kebbi, Katsina and Gombe as having moderate situations regarding meningitis outbreaks, while other states are considered low or no meningitis vigilance zones.
As of January 12, 2024, the NCDC issued a public advisory, warning of an increased risk of CSM (Cerebrospinal Meningitis) outbreak in the country, particularly in the ‘Meningitis Belt,’ spanning 19 northern states, the FCT and select southern states.
Disturbingly, as of February 29, 2024, the Nigerian Red Cross Society reported 26 deaths from suspected CSM cases in Yobe and Gombe states. Yobe documented 214 suspected cases with 20 deaths across four schools in three LGAs, while Gombe recorded 95 suspected cases and two deaths from two LGAs as of March 1, 2024, according to the State Commissioner for Health.
In light of these alarming statistics, the collective responsibility falls on Nigerians to stay informed, recognise symptoms promptly, and actively engage in preventive measures against meningitis. Early intervention is the key to saving lives in the face of this potentially deadly disease.
