The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), has warned of a potential meningitis outbreak due to the current weather conditions in Nigeria.
In a post on its official X account, the agency noted that states like Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno are particularly susceptible to meningitis outbreaks.
Additionally, states like Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Kebbi, Katsina, and Gombe have moderate situations with meningitis outbreaks, while other states are places where low or no meningitis vigilance is needed.
The agency had earlier raised concerns about the weather conditions across the country, noting that “air temperatures hit 41°C over the North and 39°C over the South.
It said that high heat levels can cause dehydration, heat-related illness, and respiratory issues, among other chronic conditions.
Meningitis outbreak
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a thin layer of the connective tissue that covers the brain and the spinal cord, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The inflammation can be caused by infection with organisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Injuries and certain drugs can also cause such inflammation.
The NCDC said meningitis is transmitted from direct person-to-person contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected persons; and close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.
Between 2022 and 2023, Nigeria recorded a total of 303 confirmed cases and 190 deaths from Cerebrospinal Meningitis(CSM) across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NCDC noted that the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria occurs in the “Meningitis Belt”, which includes all 19 states in the Northern region, the FCT, and some southern states such as Delta, Cross River, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
To reduce the spread of meningitis, NCDC advised people to avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate ventilation and airflow in the home.
It also encouraged the use of disposable tissue to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
NCDC advised people to practice thorough handwashing, particularly after sneezing or coughing.