Ogun Identified As One of the States with Highest Burden of Cerebrospinal Meningitis

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NSDC) has identified Ogun State as one of the states with the highest burden of cerebrospinal meningitis in the country.

Other endemic states are all 19 states in the northern region: Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Delta, Cross River, Bayelsa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The center, in its public advisory on the disease, said Nigeria recorded 2,765 suspected cases in the 2022–2023 season, out of which 303 tested positive.

Also, 190 lives were lost to the deadly disease in 30 states during the period under review. The director general of the center, Dr. Ifedayo Adetufa, was alerted to the spread of the disease.

He blamed this on the dry season, which comes with dust, cold nights, winds, and frequent upper respiratory infections.

According to him, the infection is more rampant, especially in crowded areas with poor ventilation.

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Adetufa, however, assured Nigerians that the government is working to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of the disease.

He said the NCDC, in collaboration with ministries, departments, agencies, and partners through the CSM TWG, had implemented several measures to ensure enhanced coordination, collaboration, and communication for response across the country.

Among other preventive measures, he said, “At the beginning of the season, all state governments and public health authorities were alerted to the heightened risk of a CSM outbreak and the need for resource mobilisation for preparedness and response activities.

“Routine meetings of the national multi-sectoral CSM TWG (were held) to coordinate prevention and preparedness activities.

“Regular communication (were held) with high-burden states to ascertain status, progress, and challenges.”