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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning regarding a possible outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis in Northern Nigeria, attributing worsening weather conditions as a significant risk factor.
In a Meningitis Watch released on Wednesday, NiMet indicated that the concentration of dust particles in the air, along with elevated heat and humidity levels, is projected to rise over the next three days.
While residents across Nigeria have reported extreme heat, NiMet highlighted that the situation is particularly severe in the northern regions, which generally experience higher temperatures than the south. The agency noted that these climatic conditions “have heightened the likelihood of a Meningococcal meningitis outbreak in the northern parts of the country.”
According to NiMet, the states that are most at risk for an outbreak include Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, and Borno. Vulnerable groups identified include infants, young children, the elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with head injuries.
Reports indicate that NiMet’s warning comes in light of a growing outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in Kebbi State, where fatalities have now reached 55.
The outbreak has impacted the local government areas of Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega.
At a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Musa-Ismaila, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shehu Nuhu-Koko, confirmed the number of deaths.
The outbreak, which initially recorded 26 fatalities, has surged rapidly, causing alarm among health officials. On Tuesday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced its intention to send a rapid response team to manage the outbreak.
According to the NCDC, meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, a delicate connective tissue layer that encases the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can arise from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, as well as from injuries and certain medications.
Regarding transmission, the NCDC stated that meningitis can spread through direct contact between individuals, including droplets from the nose and throat of those infected, as well as through close and prolonged interactions with infected individuals.
“CSM usually presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, photophobia (pain sensitivity to light), neck stiffness, and altered awareness. Detecting these signs can be more challenging in younger children, who may display irritability, poor feeding, and lethargy,” the NCDC added.
To mitigate the risk of infection, NiMet has recommended that residents get vaccinated, practice good hygiene by regularly washing their hands, and avoid close contact with those who are infected.
