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In response to the ongoing outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have arrived in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States.
The deployment, according to a statement by Sani Datti, Head Corporate Communication, followed a significant increase in suspected cases reported from the states.
It disclosed that "as at 26th March 2025, a total of 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths have been reported across twenty-two (22) states, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 9.2 percent.
"Affected states 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 States it said, have recorded the highest number of suspected cases, deaths, and CFRs, with relatively low sample collection rates, necessitating urgent intervention.
According to the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, they will be there for 14 days, and if need be, extension will be given to the team.
He emphasized the importance of personal safety and instructed all team members to strictly observe infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols throughout the response effort.
The deployed teams, comprising multisectoral and interdisciplinary experts—including specialists in case management and lumbar puncture techniques—are already in the affected states and working closely with the state health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
Key objectives of the response include:
⁃ Rapid containment of the outbreak;
⁃ Strengthening case management and IPC measures;
⁃ Enhancing surveillance and sample collection;
⁃ Conducting risk communication and community engagement activities;
⁃ Identifying the outbreak’s source and recommending appropriate public health actions.
"The NCDC remains committed to supporting state governments and partners to safeguard the health of Nigerians through timely and effective response to public health threats." the statement stated