762 persons died of meningitis, Lassa fever in two years

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported that 762 people have died from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) and Lassa fever between 2023 and 2024.

NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, on Wednesday provided this update in Abuja, noting that 361 meningitis-related deaths occurred in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while Lassa fever caused 401 fatalities in 28 states.

Nigeria recorded 4,915 suspected meningitis cases, with 380 confirmed during this period as Idris emphasized that dry-season weather conditions, combined with factors like crowding and poor ventilation, elevate infection risks.

He highlighted the “Meningitis Belt,” covering northern states, the FCT, and select southern states, as the most affected areas and in response, over 2.2 million doses of meningitis vaccine have been administered across parts of Bauchi, Gombe, and Jigawa states.

Regarding Lassa fever, Nigeria saw 3,372 cases from 2022 to 2024, including 401 deaths since 2023 as Idris noted significant case increases, with confirmed cases spanning 27 states in 2022, and 28 states as of October 2024.