Dry season: NCDC steps up surveillance as risk of meningitis increases

…Advise citizens to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur

The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has stepped up nationwide surveillance and response activities as the peak dry season increases the risk of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreaks across the country.

NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this in a public health advisory issued in Abuja on Friday, warning that the country had entered a high-risk period.

Idris said meningitis epidemics commonly occur between December and April in countries in the African meningitis belt, where climatic conditions increase the chances of disease transmission during the dry season.

It said dry and dusty weather, overcrowded environments and poor ventilation during the period significantly increased the likelihood of infection and prompted authorities to strengthen monitoring and response systems nationwide.

According to him, surveillance and response activities are underway in all states, while laboratory testing for suspected cases continues at the state level while the capacity of national laboratories is being strengthened.

“The disease spreads through respiratory droplets during close contact, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, making communities with high population densities more vulnerable during the dry season,” he said.

Idris warned that bacterial meningitis could progress rapidly and become fatal within hours if left untreated, but that early diagnosis and timely antibiotic treatment significantly improved the chances of survival and reduced complications.

He urged Nigerians to seek immediate medical attention if they experienced symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, which were common warning signs of infection.

Other symptoms, he said, could include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures and altered consciousness, all symptoms requiring urgent medical evaluation at the nearest health facility.

The NCDC chief warned that fever and headache during the dry season should not automatically be considered malaria, stressing that early recognition and treatment remain key to saving lives.

It identified children, young adults, people living in overcrowded environments and people exposed to dusty conditions as groups at greatest risk of contracting the disease.

It advised institutions, including schools, universities, religious centres, internally displaced persons camps and correctional facilities, to ensure adequate ventilation and promptly report suspected cases.

To reduce transmission risks, Idris encouraged Nigerians to avoid overcrowded spaces where possible, improve ventilation in homes and public areas, and observe proper coughing and sneezing hygiene.

He also urged the public to avoid sharing glasses, water bottles or utensils, which could facilitate the spread of respiratory infections, including meningitis.

“Vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive measures against meningitis,” he said, urging eligible people to participate in state-led vaccination campaigns when they were announced.

NCDC data showed that 4,915 suspected cases and 361 deaths were recorded in 24 states during the 2023-2024 meningitis season.