The Federal Government has notified Nigerians of an epidemic of Cerebrospinal Meningitis.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the fluid and three membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord.
The authorities stated that the warning was essential since the sickness is more widespread during the dry season, which includes dust, winds, and cold nights.
According to the FG, the sickness claimed the lives of 190 people nationwide last year.
Ifedayo Adetufa, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that in 2022/2023, Nigeria recorded 2,765 suspected and 303 confirmed cases of meningitis, with 190 deaths across 140 local government areas in 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
The NCDC chief stated that the “Meningitis Belt,” which comprises all 19 northern states, the FCT, and certain southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun, has the highest CSM load in Nigeria.
cc: Punch Ng
