NCDC alerts Nigerians to rising meningitis risk as dry season peaks

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted Nigerians to an increased risk of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) as the country moves through the peak of the dry season, urging the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms appear.

Cerebrospinal meningitis is an infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

The disease is most commonly caused by bacteria, particularly Neisseria meningitides, and can progress rapidly if left untreated.

In a public health advisory issued by the Director-General of the agency, Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC warned that the disease is more common between December and April, a period characterised by dry, dusty conditions that facilitate its spread, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria within the African meningitis belt.

According to the agency, overcrowded living conditions and poor ventilation during this period further heighten the risk of transmission, making communities such as schools, boarding facilities, universities, religious centres, internally displaced persons’ camps, and correctional facilities especially vulnerable.

The agency warned that bacterial meningitis can become fatal within hours if medical treatment is delayed.

However, early diagnosis and prompt administration of antibiotics, it said, significantly improve chances of survival and reduce the risk of complications.

The NCDC further explained that the disease spreads mainly through respiratory droplets during close contact, especially in overcrowded or poorly ventilated environments.

It advised that members of the public observe preventive measures and seek medical evaluation when symptoms arise.

According to the agency, common symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness, with other signs that may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, altered consciousness, and seizures.

“In infants and young children, symptoms may appear differently and include irritability, refusal to feed, excessive sleepiness, and a bulging soft spot on the head.

“Although children and young adults are often the most affected”, the advisory noted, adding that meningitis can occur in people of any age.

The agency also cautioned Nigerians against assuming that fever and headache during the dry season are always symptoms of malaria, stressing that such signs could indicate meningitis and require immediate medical attention.

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It urged the public to avoid self-medication or reliance on herbal remedies, stressing that treatment with appropriate antibiotics at a health facility remains the most effective response once symptoms appear.

To reduce the risk of infection, the NCDC boss advised Nigerians to avoid overcrowded spaces where possible, ensure proper ventilation in homes and public gathering places, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing drinking cups and utensils.

Idris also encouraged eligible individuals to receive meningitis vaccinations and participate in vaccination campaigns organised by State governments, noting that vaccines remain one of the most effective methods of preventing the disease.

Meanwhile, according to the DG, NCDC’s surveillance and response activities are ongoing nationwide, with laboratory testing currently being conducted at the state level while national laboratory capacity is being strengthened to improve detection and response.

The agency said it is working in collaboration with State Ministries of Health to monitor meningitis trends through the national surveillance system, support laboratory confirmation of suspected cases, and deploy rapid response teams to affected areas when necessary.

Other measures include strengthening treatment capacity in health facilities and intensifying risk communication and community engagement to improve public awareness.

The agency advised Nigerians to immediately visit the nearest health facility if fever is accompanied by neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, or sudden worsening of symptoms, stressing that early treatment remains critical to survival.