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Published on 2024-03-01 08:56:56
NiMet Issues Warning About Meningitis Outbreak in Nigeria
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning regarding the prevailing weather conditions that are conducive to the outbreak of meningitis in Nigeria. According to NiMet, states like Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno are at high risk for a meningitis outbreak. Additionally, NiMet mentioned that the conditions in states such as Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Kebbi, Katsina, and Gombe have moderate situations with meningitis outbreaks, while other states may have a low to no risk of meningitis.
In recent data released by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), it was reported that Nigeria recorded a total of 303 confirmed cases and 190 deaths from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2022 and 2023. The highest burden of CSM in Nigeria is observed in the “Meningitis Belt,” which includes all 19 states in the Northern region, the FCT, and some southern states like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun.
NiMet also raised concerns about the prevailing weather conditions across the country, indicating that air temperatures have reached 41°C in the North and 39°C in the South. The agency warned that such high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and respiratory issues, among other chronic conditions. NiMet emphasized that the northern part of the country is likely to experience more heat than the southern region, leading to dehydration, fainting, diseases like Chickenpox and Measles, and other heat-related ailments that could increase vulnerability to other medical conditions.
To prevent the spread of meningitis, NCDC advised the public to avoid overcrowding, ensure adequate ventilation and airflow in homes, use disposable tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash hands regularly (especially after coughing or sneezing), and seek proper diagnosis and treatment at a medical facility if sudden symptoms like high fever or neck stiffness occur.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a thin layer of connective tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by various infectious organisms, injuries, or certain drugs. NCDC highlighted that meningitis is transmitted through direct person-to-person contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected persons, and close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.
The initial symptoms of CSM include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, neck stiffness, and altered consciousness levels. NCDC stated that it may be more challenging to observe these signs in younger children, but common signs include irritability, poor feeding, and inactivity.
NCDC recommended that individuals receive appropriate vaccinations to protect against meningitis and encouraged the public to be vigilant and proactive in preventing and managing the disease. By following these guidelines and staying informed about the risk factors and symptoms of meningitis, individuals can help mitigate the impact of outbreaks and protect their health and well-being.
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