The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned Nigerian’s of a potential Meningococcal meningitis outbreak in Northern Nigeria. The agency cited the worsening weatherweather conditions, especially in the Northern States of the country as a major risk factor.
This was contained in its Meningitis Watch issued on Wednesday.
NiMet stated that dust particles in suspension, coupled with high heat and humidity, are expected to increase over the next three days.
Notwithstanding complaints by residents about intense heat across Nigeria, NiMet warned that the situation is more dire in the northern part of the country. This is as it noted that on average, the Northern States are hotter than the Southern part.
NiMet explained that the weather conditions “have increased the prospects of the outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis over the northern part of the country.”
The agency noted that States most vulnerable to an outbreak included Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kano. Others are Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, and Borno States.
NiMet, however, warned that the most vulnerable groups affected by the heat include infants, young children, the aged, those with weak immune systems and people with head injuries.
According to report, NiMet’s warning is coming on the heels of a rising outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in Kebbi State. The death toll has now been put at 55.
PREMIUM TIMES reports that the outbreak has affected Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega Local Government Areas of the State.
This was disclosed by the Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Musa-Ismaila. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shehu Nuhu-Koko at the event.
According to him, the outbreak, which initially recorded 26 deaths, has escalated sharply. Raising concerns among health officials.
However, on Tuesday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced plans to deploy a rapid response team to contain the outbreak.
According to NCDC, meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a thin layer of the connective tissue that covers the brain and the spinal cord.
This inflammation can be caused by infection with organisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Injuries and certain drugs can also cause such inflammation.
On transmission, NCDC stated that meningitis is transmitted from direct person-to-person contact. This includes droplets from the nose and throat of infected persons. And a close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.
“CSM initially presents as fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. It also presents photophobia (pain on looking at bright lights), neck stiffness, and altered conscious levels. It may be more difficult to observe these signs in younger children. But irritability, poor feeding, and inactivity are common,” NCDC noted.
To reduce the risk of infection, NiMet has advised residents to get vaccinated. And to maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly, and avoid close contact with infected individuals.
source: PREMIUM TIMES