Nigeria Records 807 Suspected Meningitis Cases, 74 Deaths in 22 States – NCDC
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported **807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) and 74 deaths** across 22 states as of March 26, 2025, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 9.2%.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the NCDC’s Head of Corporate Communication, Sani Datti, titled “CSM Outbreak: NCDC Rapid Response Teams Deployed to Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States.”
Outbreak Response Underway
The NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina —the most affected states—following a surge in suspected cases. The teams, which include case management specialists and infection control experts, will remain for 14 days, with possible extensions if needed.
Affected States
The outbreak has spread across 22 states, including:
– Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto (highest cases and deaths)
– Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, and the FCT.
Key Response Measures
The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, outlined the following actions:
– Rapid containment of the outbreak
– Improved case management and infection prevention protocols
– Enhanced surveillance and sample collection
– Public awareness campaigns to curb transmission
– Identifying the outbreak’s source for targeted interventions
Idris also urged health workers to strictly follow safety protocols to prevent further spread.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting state governments in mitigating the outbreak and protecting public health.
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