The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has deployed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to Jigawa, Yobe and Katsina.

Pricilla Ibekwe, Head of the special projects and partnerships unit at NCDC, said this on Monday during a bi-weekly ministerial meeting on the update of COVID-19 response and development in the country’s health sector.

Ms Ibekwe said the deployment of the RET followed a notification by the State Government on rising cases of suspected cerebrospinal meningitis.

Cerebrospinal meningitis is an acute inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. It is a serious infection that can lead to death if left untreated and remains a major public health challenge, affecting countries in the African meningitis belt, including 25 States and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria.

Ms Ibekwe said the preliminary reports were of 117 suspected and 12 confirmed cases, with a case fatality rate of 27 per cent from EPI week 49, 2022 and EPI week II of 2023.

“We have also provided commodities. On the other hand, due to the proximity of Jigawa to Yobe and Katsina states, We have also deployed RRT members to Yobe and Katsina to assess, improve on the level of preparedness and to conduct active CSM case finding for early detection of cases already exist,” she said.

Meanwhile, regarding the spread of CSM, she said Nigerians should avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate ventilation in the home.

“Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or by blowing into the elbow when sneezing or coughing. Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. Visit a health facility if you have a sudden high fever or neck stiffness for diagnosis and treatment,” Ms Ibekwe advised.

She called on all health workers to practice universal care precautions, including wearing gloves while handling patients or providing care to an ill relative. The health expert stressed that early presentation to a health facility and treatment increases the chances of survival.

Large outbreaks of CSM usually occur during the dry season (November through May). The disease is contagious and can be transmitted through tiny droplets of respiratory secretions from an infected person during close contact, such as coughing or sneezing.

The disease is more common among persons younger than 15 years, and deaths are higher among untreated cases. Signs and symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, difficulty concentrating, and convulsions. The major risk factors for infection include overcrowding and poor ventilation.

(NAN)