NCDC deploys response teams to combat Meningitis in Three States

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has dispatched Rapid Response Teams to address the ongoing outbreak and rising cases of suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States.

According to a statement from the Head of Corporate Communication, Sani Datti, a total of 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths have been recorded across 22 states, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 9.2%.

The affected states include Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Sokoto.

The statement highlighted that Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto States have recorded the highest number of suspected cases, deaths, and CFRs, alongside relatively low sample collection rates, necessitating urgent intervention.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, stated that the teams would operate in these states for an initial period of 14 days, with possible extensions if required.

Dr Idris urged all team members to adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols to ensure their safety while carrying out their duties.

“The deployed teams, comprising multisectoral and interdisciplinary experts—including specialists in case management and lumbar puncture techniques—are already on the ground in the affected states and are collaborating closely with state health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission,” Dr Idris said.

He outlined the key objectives of the response, which include:

Rapid containment of the outbreak

Strengthening case management and infection prevention measures

Enhancing surveillance and sample collection

Conducting risk communication and community engagement activities

Identifying the source of the outbreak and recommending appropriate public health actions.

Ifeoma Nwovu