Dry Season: NCDC Intensifies Surveillance as Meningitis Risk Rises

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has intensified surveillance and response activities nationwide as the peak dry season increases the risk of cerebrospinal meningitis outbreaks across the country.

The director-general of NCDC, Jide Idris, disclosed this in a public health advisory issued on Friday, warning that the country had entered a high-risk period.

Mr Idris explained that meningitis outbreaks commonly occurred between December and April in countries within Africa’s meningitis belt, where climatic conditions heightened the chances of disease transmission during the dry season.

He said that dry, dusty weather, overcrowded environments and poor ventilation during the period significantly increase the likelihood of infection and have prompted authorities to strengthen monitoring and response systems nationwide.

According to him, surveillance and response activities are ongoing across states, while laboratory testing for suspected cases continues at the state level as national laboratory capacity is being strengthened.

He explained that cerebrospinal meningitis was a severe infection affecting the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, most commonly caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

“The disease spreads through respiratory droplets during close contact, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, making communities with high population density more vulnerable during the dry season,” he said.

Mr Idris warned that bacterial meningitis could progress rapidly and might become fatal within hours if untreated, but early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment significantly improved survival chances and reduced complications.

He urged Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention if they experienced symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache and neck stiffness, which were common warning signs of infection.

Other symptoms, he said, might include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures and altered consciousness, all of which require urgent medical evaluation at the nearest health facility.

The NCDC chief cautioned that fever and headache during the dry season should not automatically be assumed to be malaria, stressing that early recognition and treatment remained critical for saving lives.

He identified children, young adults, individuals living in overcrowded environments and people exposed to dusty conditions as groups at higher risk of contracting the disease.

He advised that institutions, including schools, universities, religious centres, internally displaced persons camps and correctional facilities, ensure adequate ventilation and promptly report suspected cases.

To reduce transmission risks, Mr Idris encouraged Nigerians to avoid overcrowded spaces where possible, improve ventilation in homes and public areas and observe proper cough and sneeze hygiene.

He also urged the public to avoid sharing drinking cups, water bottles, or utensils, as this could facilitate the spread of respiratory infections, including meningitis.

“Vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive measures against meningitis,” he said, urging eligible individuals to participate in state-led vaccination campaigns when they were announced.

As part of its preparedness strategy, he said the NCDC continued to monitor meningitis trends through the national disease surveillance system and support laboratory confirmation of suspected cases.

Mr Idris advised Nigerians to seek emergency medical care immediately if fever occurs with neck stiffness, confusion, or seizures, or if symptoms worsen rapidly.

According to him, early treatment significantly improves survival and helps prevent serious complications associated with meningitis infection.

Nigeria has recorded recurring outbreaks of cerebrospinal meningitis in recent years, particularly during the dry season.

Data from NCDC shows that 4,915 suspected cases and 361 deaths were recorded across 24 states during the 2023–2024 meningitis season.

During the 2022–2023 season, the country reported 2,765 suspected cases and about 190 deaths, highlighting the persistent public health threat posed by meningitis in states within Africa’s meningitis belt.

(NAN)