The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a total of 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis and 74 deaths across 22 states as of March 26, 2025.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, highlighting a Case Fatality Rate of 9.2 percent.
It noted that its Rapid Response Teams (RRT) have been deployed to Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states following a significant increase in reported cases.
“Affected states include Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, FCT, and Sokoto,” the statement read.
It further noted that Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto states have recorded the highest number of suspected cases and deaths, with relatively low sample collection rates, necessitating urgent intervention.
NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, stated that the response teams will be stationed in the affected states for 14 days, with a possible extension if needed.
“The deployed teams, comprising multisectoral and interdisciplinary experts—including specialists in case management and lumbar puncture techniques—are already in the affected states and working closely with the state health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission,” Idris said.
He stressed the importance of infection prevention and control measures, instructing team members to adhere strictly to safety protocols.
The response teams will focus on rapid containment of the outbreak, strengthening case management, enhancing surveillance and sample collection, and engaging communities through risk communication efforts. They will also work to identify the source of the outbreak and recommend appropriate public health actions.
“The NCDC remains committed to supporting state governments and partners to safeguard the health of Nigerians through timely and effective response to public health threats,” Idris assured.
