Abuja – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) and 74 deaths across 22 states as of March 26, 2025, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 9.2%.
The figures were disclosed in a statement on Thursday, signed by the NCDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Datti, titled: “CSM Outbreak: NCDC Rapid Response Teams in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States.”
The NCDC said Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states—areas reporting the highest number of cases and fatalities—to curb the outbreak and prevent further spread.
States Affected by the Outbreak
The NCDC reported that 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have recorded suspected cases. These 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.
Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto remain the most affected, with the highest case numbers, deaths, and case fatality rates, prompting urgent intervention due to low sample collection rates.
Urgent Response and Containment Measures
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, said the RRT will remain in the affected states for 14 days, with the possibility of an extension if needed.
“The teams consist of multidisciplinary experts, including specialists in case management and lumbar puncture techniques, working closely with state health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission,” Idris explained.
The primary goals of the response team include:
- Rapid containment of the outbreak
- Strengthening case management and infection prevention
- Enhancing surveillance and improving sample collection
- Community engagement to raise awareness
- Identifying the outbreak’s source and implementing appropriate public health measures
Idris stressed the importance of personal safety, urging team members to follow infection prevention protocols throughout the operation.
Commitment to Public Health
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments and partners to protect public health and respond swiftly to disease outbreaks.
“We are dedicated to supporting state authorities and ensuring a coordinated and effective response to safeguard the health of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
