...Escalates National Response

Nigeria is facing a significant public health crisis as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 151 deaths and 1,826 suspected cases of meningitis across 23 states. The outbreak, recorded between March 17 and March 23, 2025, has pushed national health authorities to intensify emergency response measures.

According to the NCDC’s Epidemiological Week 12 Report, the outbreak has resulted in a case fatality rate of 8.3 percent—a stark reminder of the lethal nature of meningitis when left untreated. The majority of cases have been reported in northern Nigeria, where health infrastructure is under growing strain due to the disease burden.

Of the 289 samples collected for laboratory testing, 126 returned positive, marking a 44 percent positivity rate. The predominant strain identified is Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NmC), responsible for 27 percent of confirmed cases, followed by serogroup W (NmW), accounting for 13.5 percent.

Children and Males Most Affected
The NCDC highlighted that children aged 5 to 14 are the most vulnerable demographic, bearing the highest infection rates. A noticeable gender disparity has also emerged, with males representing 60 percent of suspected cases.

Ten states are currently facing the brunt of the outbreak, with Kebbi and Sokoto states alone accounting for a staggering 94 percent of all suspected cases. Within these states, Gwandu Local Government Area (LGA) in Kebbi leads with 313 suspected cases, followed by Tambuwal LGA in Sokoto with 155.

Strengthening Response Measures
To combat the spread of the disease, the NCDC has scaled up disease surveillance, expanded laboratory diagnostic capabilities, and launched public awareness campaigns to inform communities about early symptoms and preventive measures.

Vaccination and targeted control strategies have also been prioritized in the hardest-hit areas to protect high-risk populations and curb further transmission. The NCDC has urged the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they or their loved ones experience symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, or sensitivity to light.

A Call for Urgency and Coordination
Health experts stress that meningitis, while preventable and treatable, poses a recurring threat during the dry season, especially in the "meningitis belt" that includes many northern Nigerian states. Early diagnosis, timely vaccination, and adequate public health resources remain critical to controlling the outbreak.

As Nigeria battles this unfolding health emergency, the NCDC continues to coordinate with state governments, international partners, and community leaders to mitigate the impact and protect vulnerable populations across the country.