Meningitis Outbreak in Nigeria: 807 Cases and 74 Deaths Reported

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States following a surge in Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases.

In a statement on Thursday, the NCDC reported that as of March 26, 2025, the outbreak had resulted in 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths across 22 states, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 9.2%.

The affected states include Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto have reported the highest number of cases and fatalities, prompting urgent intervention.

Meningitis is a severe infection of the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bacterial meningitis remains the most dangerous and accounts for the highest global burden.

The NCDC response teams, comprising experts in case management, surveillance, and lumbar puncture techniques, are working closely with state health authorities to curb the outbreak. Their key objectives include:
1. Rapid containment of the outbreak
2. Strengthening case management and infection prevention
3. Enhancing surveillance and increasing sample collection
4. Conducting risk communication and community engagement
5. Identifying the outbreak’s source and recommending public health measures

NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, stated that the deployed teams would initially remain in the affected states for 14 days, with an option to extend if necessary. He also stressed the importance of strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to protect both health workers and the community.

As the situation develops, public health officials urge Nigerians to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms arise.