Muyi Aina, the executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has urged Nigerians to be vigilant against meningitis through vaccination and early detection of symptoms.

Mr Aina, who made the call in an interview on Monday in Abuja, described meningitis as a life-threatening infection.

”It is a serious infection that can cause inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The most common symptoms are high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion,” Mr Aina said.

The NPHCDA director said Nigerians should be vigilant to ensure early detection and treatment.

”It is also very important to get vaccinated against meningitis. It can be life-threatening. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent meningitis. It can help to protect individuals from the disease,” he said.

Mr Ainae said that getting vaccinated and ensuring early detection of the symptoms would protect Nigerians from the disease.

According to the World Health Organisation, skipping vaccinations is a major risk factor for meningitis.

Most cases of viral meningitis occur in children under age five, while bacterial meningitis is common in individuals under age 20.

(NAN)