In a comprehensive effort to combat the ongoing cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is intensifying its strategies, employing enhanced surveillance, vaccination campaigns, public awareness and bolstering healthcare infrastructure.
The director-general of NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa provided insights into these proactive measures during an interview with the media in Abuja on Thursday.
Adetifa explained that CSM, characterised by acute inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord, is an epidemic-prone disease with cases reported throughout the year. The risk of infection increases during the dry season due to factors such as dust, winds, cold nights and frequent upper respiratory tract infections, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated areas.
The “Meningitis Belt,” covering 19 states in the Northern region, the FCT and certain southern states, is identified as the highest-burden area for CSM in Nigeria. In the 2022/2023 period, the country recorded 2765 suspected cases, 303 confirmed cases and 190 deaths across 140 local government areas (LGAs) in 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is actively engaged in preventing, detecting and responding to CSM cases. The National CSM Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising representatives from various ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs) and development partners, operates under the NCDC’s auspices. This TWG plays a pivotal role in monitoring disease trends, fostering multi-sectoral preparedness, and coordinating responses to the outbreak.
Despite significant progress in surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccination over recent years, CSM remains a priority disease and a constant public health threat in Nigeria. Annual outbreaks, particularly in high-burden states, present challenges to people, health systems, economies and communities. At the onset of each season, state governments and public health authorities receive alerts about the heightened risk of a CSM outbreak, prompting resource mobilisation for preparedness and response activities.
The national multi-sectoral CSM TWG conducts routine meetings to coordinate preventive and preparedness activities nationwide. These activities include regular communication with high-burden states, ongoing surveillance through integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) and event-based surveillance (EBS) and the provision of offsite and onsite support to states. The distribution of case management and laboratory consumables is crucial for an effective outbreak response.
Adetifa stressed the importance of risk communication to create public awareness about CSM prevention measures, signs and symptoms. He emphasised the significance of timely sample collection for laboratory diagnosis and the deployment of rapid response teams (RRT) to investigate and respond to suspected cases in affected states.
For meningitis prevention, Adetifa urged Nigerians to prioritise vaccination, avoid prolonged contact with confirmed CSM cases, prevent household overcrowding, abstain from smoking, maintain respiratory hygiene, discourage indoor air pollution, practice regular hand hygiene and ensure a clean environment. Immediate medical attention is advised for those exhibiting CSM symptoms and self-medication should be avoided to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
Adetifa encouraged Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention if they notice any signs or symptoms associated with CSM and healthcare workers were reminded to adhere to infection prevention protocols.
Cerebrospinal meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges covering the brain and spinal cord, can result from various infections, injuries, or drugs. The transmission occurs through direct person-to-person contact and close exposure to infected individuals. CSM manifests with symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, photophobia and neck stiffness. Vulnerable groups include young children, the unvaccinated, individuals in overcrowded settings, smokers and those with poor hygiene. Healthcare workers are advised to strictly adhere to infection prevention measures.
