By Doris Obinna
Outbreaks of meningitis are not new to Nigeria, especially in the northern region, which lies within Africa’s “meningitis belt,” a stretch of 26 countries where annual outbreaks are all too familiar, home to about 500 million people at risk.
These regions experience regular meningitis epidemics during the dry season (December to June), when dust, dry winds and low humidity make it easier for the infection to spread.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), meningococcal meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. “It can be infectious or non-infectious in origin, can be associated with high risk of death and long-term complications, and requires urgent medical care.
“Meningitis remains a significant global health threat and it is usually caused by a viral infection but can also be bacterial or fungal. Vaccines can prevent some forms of meningitis.”
This year’s outbreak is already serious. With the latest data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), about 126 confirmed cases have been recorded out of 1,858 suspected cases and 156 deaths have been reported across 23 states, with numbers rising and 121 local government areas with national case fatality rate stands at 8.4 per cent.
NCDC disclosed that the affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Ekiti, FCT, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Yobe.
“The states that recorded deaths are Kebbi 67; Sokoto 33; Katsina 16; Jigawa six; Yobe 11; Bauchi six; Gombe nine; Kano five; Borno one; Adamawa one and Oyo one.”
The report from NCDC also shows that as at March 23, 2025, a total of 1,826 suspected cases with 151 deaths with case fatality ratio (CFR 8.3 per cent) have been reported from the 23 states in the current season.
“A total of 289 samples were collected from some of the reported suspected cases since the beginning of the season, with 126 confirmed (44 per cent positivity rate). Age group five to 14 years remains the most affected group and 60 per cent of the total suspected cases are male.”
The report further shows that 94 per cent of all suspected cases are being reported from 10 states, Kebbi 881; Katsin 158; Jigawa 147; Yobe 109; Gombe 47; Sokoto 303; Borno 36; Adamawa 27; Oyo 23 and Bauchi 66.
“And 17 LGAs across nine states reported more than 10 suspected cases in the current season. Gwandu 313; Tambuwal 155; Aleiro 143; Katsina 69; Kankia 54; Sule-Tankarkar 29; Jega 61; Fune 28; Maiduguri 29; Jahun 15; Birnin Kudu 13; Nafada 13; Nguru 53; Bauchi 25; Gamawa 20; Taura 14 and Yola South 13.”
Symptoms
According to WHO, meningitis symptoms can include a sudden high fever, stiff neck: difficulty or pain when bending the neck is a key indicator, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light i.e, dislike of bright lights or photophobia confusion or trouble concentrating: changes in mental state or difficulty thinking clearly and seizures.
“Others are sleepiness or trouble waking: extreme drowsiness or difficulty staying awake and a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over can indicate meningococcal meningitis.
“In infants, symptoms may include unusual behaviour, irritability, a high-pitched cry, and poor feeding. A bulging soft spot (fontanel) on the baby’s head, pale or mottled skin colour, arching the back in response to stimuli, sleepiness or difficulty waking up and fever or lower-than-normal temperature.”
Highest risk of infection
Those at highest risk of infection are infants, children and young adults. One in four survivors suffers permanent disabilities such as hearing loss; seizures; limb weakness; difficulties with vision, speech, language, memory and communication; as well as scarring and limb amputations.
“Every child deserves protection from life-threatening diseases like meningitis, and the arrival of the meningitis vaccine marks a critical step in stopping the current outbreak and safeguarding Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations; particularly children and young adults, who are at the highest risk.
“UNICEF is proud to support the government by ensuring rapid vaccine deployment, community engagement, and planning and implementation of the response, while working alongside Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare to strengthen immunisation efforts in Nigeria,” says UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Cristian Munduate.
Vaccine in Nigeria
April 4, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare received over 1,000,000 pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) doses from the Gavi-funded global stockpile this week to combat the meningococcal C and W outbreak in northern Nigeria.
This vaccine has the potential to reduce meningitis cases and advance progress in defeating meningitis. The Men5CV confers immunity against the five major meningococcal serogroups (a group of serovars with common antigens) A, C, W, X and Y.
Speaking, Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, said the arrival of the Men5CV vaccines is a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s response to the current meningitis outbreak.
“It reflects our commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to protect the health and well-being of all Nigerians; especially our children and young people who are most vulnerable. Through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach, we have prioritized epidemic preparedness and rapid response as part of our broader health security agenda.
“We are grateful for the support of Gavi, WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in enabling this swift deployment. Together, we are not only containing today’s outbreak but also laying the foundation to eliminate meningitis and strengthen routine immunisation for the future.
“Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance funds the global stockpiles of vaccines against cholera, Ebola, meningitis and yellow fever, which are accessible to all countries in the world, and supports the cost of procurement, delivery and outbreak response campaigns in lower-income countries, as well as preventive and routine immunisation activities where these are relevant.
“Use of the stockpiles for outbreak response is managed by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, and doses are delivered to countries by UNICEF. The ICG has approved the deployment of over 1.5 million doses of Men5CV in response to Nigeria’s request in March 2025.”
Combating the disease
Also, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo said that as Nigeria continues to combat the current meningitis outbreak, the arrival of the MenCV5 vaccine provides a much-needed boost to our response efforts.
“From research and development to delivery, the journey of the Men5CV vaccine to Nigeria has been a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government, the WHO, Gavi, and other dedicated partners. While we address the on going outbreak, the Men5CV vaccine is also critical to Nigeria’s long-term health security. It will help prevent future outbreaks and safeguard future generations.
“Over the years, Gavi has worked with countries to support vaccination against meningitis A, reaching more than 400 million children and young adults aged up to 29 years through campaigns and routine immunisation. These efforts have helped Africa to successfully eliminate meningitis A, with no new cases detected since 2017.
“The Men5CV vaccine, approved by WHO in 2023, represents a significant advancement for high-risk countries in Africa’s meningitis belt, offering protection against the five major serogroups of meningococcus bacteria.”
Future goals
Head of High-Impact Outbreaks, Francisco Luquero, said, with Gavi’s support, vaccines successfully eliminated meningitis A from Africa’s meningitis belt.
“Now, they are also combating other serogroups of this deadly and debilitating disease, bringing us closer to our goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030.
“Continued investment in this work is critical to protect the incredible progress made so far, control future outbreaks, and dramatically reduce the devastating impact that seasonal epidemics of meningitis have on families and communities.”
Precautionary measures
To prevent meningitis, especially bacterial meningitis, WHO stated: Practice good hygiene, get vaccinated against preventable types, and avoid close contact with sick individuals, particularly during outbreaks:
For meningococcal vaccines, it protects against certain types of bacterial meningitis, especially important for teens and young adults.
Pneumococcal and Hib vaccines protect against bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis, consult your doctor and discuss vaccination recommendations based on age, risk factors, and travel plans.
Hygiene practices, this include, thoroughly washing of hands with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Don’t share drinks, utensils, or other items that may come into contact with saliva and use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid close contact with sick individuals by staying away, especially if they have symptoms of meningitis. Ensure good ventilation; overcrowding and poor ventilation can increase the risk of infection.
Good personal hygiene, this includes regular bathing, changing clothes, and keeping your surroundings clean.
Seek medical attention promptly, if you or someone you know has symptoms of meningitis (fever, stiff neck, headache, vomiting, and confusion), seek immediate medical care.
Smoking cessation, smoking can increase the risk of carrying meningococcal bacteria.
Rest and avoid stress, getting enough rest and managing stress can help strengthen your immune system.
In healthcare settings, follow strict infection control protocols, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and isolation precautions.