At least 118 people has died from a deadly virus called meningitis in 22 states across 79 Local Government Areas in nigeria.
The data released by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), on saturday shows that the total number is from October 2022 to April 2, 2023.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a medical condition that involves inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. This inflammation can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, stiffness in the neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures, and sometimes a rash.
Meningitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, and even death. Vaccines are available for certain types of bacterial meningitis, and prompt treatment with antibiotics can be effective in preventing serious complications.
NCDC Data Breakdown
The NCDC said 235 confirmed cases and 1,479 suspected cases have been recorded so far during the period under review.
The Case Fatality Ratio stands at 9.3 per cent.
The 22 states reporting cases are Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
“As of April 2, 2023, a total of 1,479 suspected cases including 118 deaths (CFR 9.3 per cent) reported from 22 states in 2022/2023 CSM seasons.
“A total of 512 samples collected, 235 confirmed with 46 per cent positivity rate since the beginning of the CSM seasons 2022/2023,” the report read in part.
The age group most affected is five to 14. Males were 57 per cent and females were 43 per cent.
“Ninety-three per cent of all cumulative cases were from five states – Jigawa (1,064 cases), Yobe (234 cases), Zamfara (36 cases), Bauchi (23 cases), and Adamawa (21 cases).
“Fourteen LGAs across four states, Jigawa (8), Yobe (4), Bauchi (1) and Zamfara (1), reported more than 10 cases each this CSM season 2022/2023,” the report added.
The centre said its national multi-sectoral technical working group is coordinating response activities in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and development partners.