The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis and 74 deaths across 22 states as of March 26, 2025, with a case fatality rate of 9.2 percent.
In response to a significant surge in cases, particularly in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states, the NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to these areas. These states have the highest numbers of suspected cases, deaths, and case fatality rates, but relatively low sample collection rates, prompting urgent intervention.
Affected states include Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, FCT, and Sokoto.
NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, stated the RRTs will be on the ground for 14 days, with potential extensions, and emphasized strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols. The teams, comprising multisectoral experts, will focus on rapid outbreak containment, improved case management, enhanced surveillance, community engagement, and identifying the outbreak’s source.
The NCDC remains committed to supporting state governments in addressing this public health threat.
