Nigeria: Meningitis death toll surpasses 1000 since December 2016 /update 5

Event

According to a statement released by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), as of May 9, the death toll from the current meningitis outbreak has reached 1069, with more than 13,420 suspected cases reported in 23 states across the country. The NCDC also claimed, however, that the outbreak is currently under control; the most affected areas (e.g., Zamafara, Niger, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states) have seen their rates of disease transmission decline in the past two weeks, and in the states of Niger and Kebbi no deaths were reported during the same period. A massive nationwide vaccination campaign is ongoing.

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.