MENINGITIS OUTBREAK: DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 745

The Meningitis outbreak is daily assuming frightening dimension as the death toll in the outbreak in Nigeria has risen to 745.


States currently affected are mostly in the northern parts where the weather conditions has been extremely hot. Five states — Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger all in the country’s northern region have recorded huge casualty figures.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a statement saying over 8,000 suspected cases of meningitis have been reported across the country as at April 17. But only 230 of that figure have been confirmed.

To tackle the epidemic, the Nigerian government says it has partnered with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to strengthen prevention and control measures to the outbreak in the country.

Currently, this outbreak of Meningitis is the worst outbreak ever experienced in Nigeria since 2009.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, says enhanced surveillance activities have so far contributed to increased case finding and more timely reporting.