14 May 2024 | 09:16 AM UTC
Nigeria: Elevated meningococcal disease activity reported in multiple areas, especially Yobe State, in May /update 1
Elevated meningococcal disease activity reported in multiple areas in Nigeria, especially Yobe State, in May. Obtain vaccination.
Health officials have reported elevated meningococcal disease activity in Nigeria, with an additional 1,532 cases reported March 18-April 18, bringing the total case count to 3,302 cases (281 confirmed, 3,021 suspected) since Oct. 1, 2023. Disease activity has been reported in 23 of Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Yobe State is the most affected, reporting the highest disease activity. International health organizations, such as the WHO, are collaborating with local health authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, diagnosis, and outbreak response strategies. This represents the most complete data available as of May 14.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against meningococcal disease. Practice basic health precautions. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.
Meningococcal disease is a significant public health problem in Africa, especially in countries that lie along the meningitis belt. Part of Nigeria is located in Africa's meningitis belt and disease activity occurs seasonally December-June, with risk of infection highest March-April. The national meningitis vaccination coverage among children younger than five years of age in Nigeria was estimated to be 83 percent in 2023. Nigerian health authorities reported a total of 2,765 cases nationwide in 2022 and 2023.
Meningococcal disease, also called bacterial meningitis, is a bacterial disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Disease transmission usually requires close or lengthy contact with an infected individual. Symptoms typically appear 3-4 days after exposure, but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. The most common symptoms of meningococcal disease are stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches, and vomiting.
