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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted Nigerians to the heightened risk of cerebrospinal meningitis as the country moves through the peak of the dry season.
In a public health advisory signed by the Director-General, Jide Idris, the agency urged residents, particularly those in states within the African meningitis belt, to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to reduce transmission.
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According to the agency, meningitis cases occur more frequently between December and April when dry and dusty weather conditions, overcrowding and poor ventilation increase the likelihood of the disease spreading.
The NCDC said surveillance and response activities are ongoing nationwide, with laboratory testing currently being conducted at the state level while national laboratory capacity continues to be strengthened.
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Cerebrospinal meningitis
Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
The disease is most commonly caused by bacteria, particularly Neisseria meningitidis, and can progress rapidly if left untreated.
The NCDC warned that bacterial meningitis can become fatal within hours, but noted that early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment significantly improve survival rates and reduce the risk of complications.
The infection spreads through respiratory droplets during close contact, especially in overcrowded or poorly ventilated environments.
Symptoms
The agency urged Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, stressing that early treatment can save lives.
Common symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache and neck stiffness.
Other possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion or altered consciousness and seizures.
In infants and young children, symptoms may include a bulging soft spot on the head, irritability, refusal to feed and excessive sleepiness.
Although the disease often affects children and young adults, the NCDC said people of all ages can become infected.
It also warned Nigerians not to automatically assume that fever and headaches during the dry season are caused by malaria.
“Fever and headache during the dry season should not automatically be assumed to be malaria. Seek immediate medical evaluation,” the advisory stated.
People most at risk
According to the agency, children and young adults are among the most vulnerable groups.
Others at risk include individuals living in overcrowded environments, people exposed to dry and dusty conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.
The NCDC also warned that crowded institutions such as schools, boarding facilities, universities, religious centres, internally displaced persons camps and correctional facilities face a higher risk of outbreaks.
It advised administrators of such facilities to ensure adequate ventilation and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.
Preventive measures
To reduce the risk of infection, the NCDC urged Nigerians to seek early medical care and avoid self-medication.
It warned against relying on herbal remedies and emphasised that immediate antibiotic treatment at a health facility is essential once symptoms develop.
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The agency also advised the public to avoid overcrowded spaces where possible, ensure good ventilation in homes and public places, cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing drinking cups or utensils.
Vaccination also remains one of the most effective preventive measures, the agency said.
The NCDC encouraged eligible individuals to receive meningitis vaccines and urged communities to participate in state-led vaccination campaigns when announced.
Ongoing response
The public health agency said it is working with state ministries of health to monitor meningitis trends through the national surveillance system and support laboratory confirmation of suspected cases.
It added that rapid response teams may be deployed to affected areas when necessary, while efforts are ongoing to strengthen case management and treatment capacity across the country.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to seek emergency medical care immediately if fever is accompanied by neck stiffness, seizures, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms.
The agency also encouraged members of the public to report suspected cases and obtain more information through its toll-free line, 6232, or its official communication channels.
