Nigeria: Meningitis death toll rises to 813 since December 2016 /update 4

Event

According to a statement released by the Nigerian Health Minister on Wednesday, April 26, the death toll from the current meningitis outbreak has reached 813. This represents a sharp rise from the 745 deaths reported only one week prior, on April 19. More than 8000 suspected cases of meningitis have been reported across the country over the last five months, with over 90 percent of them occurring in just five northern states. Most victims are children aged 5 to 14, which has prompted a large-scale vaccination program. On Wednesday, April 26, the government approved a house-to-house initiative in northern Nigeria to identify those afflicted with meningitis for vaccination and treatment.

Context

Meningitis is hyperendemic to the "meningitis belt" of Africa's Sahel region, which stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia. It is an annual concern in Nigeria as periodic outbreaks occur during the dry season between October and April in the North. Symptoms include headache, fever, and stiffness of the neck. Meningitis is contagious.

Advice

People present in Nigeria are advised to take the necessary measures to protect themselves from the disease (wash hands and disinfect all surfaces frequently), avoid all contact with infected individuals, and make sure appropriate immunizations are up to date before traveling to the country. Individuals developing symptoms of the disease should seek immediate medical attention.