3rd March 2026 | Public Health Advisory on Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)

Wednesday, March 04, 2026

3rd March 2026 | Public Health Advisory on Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)

Issued by: Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)

As Nigeria continues through the peak dry season months, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and

Prevention (NCDC) alerts the public to the ongoing risk of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), particularly

in states within the African meningitis belt.

Cerebrospinal meningitis occurs more frequently between December and April, when dry, dusty

conditions, overcrowding, and poor ventilation increase the risk of transmission.

The NCDC urges all Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures.

Surveillance and response activities remain ongoing nationwide, and laboratory testing is being

conducted at the state level while national laboratory capacity is being strengthened.

What is Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)?

Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal

cord. It is most commonly caused by bacteria, particularly Neisseria meningitidis.

Bacterial meningitis can progress rapidly and may be fatal within hours if untreated. However, early

diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment significantly improve survival and reduce complications.

CSM spreads through respiratory droplets during close contact, especially in overcrowded or poorly

ventilated environments.

Symptoms to Watch For

As early recognition and treatment save lives, common symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever

• Severe headache

• Neck stiffness

Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensitivity to light

• Confusion or altered consciousness

• Seizures

In infants and young children:

• Bulging soft spot on the head

• Irritability

• Refusal to feed

• Excessive sleepiness

Although children and young adults are commonly affected, meningitis can occur in people of all ages.

Fever and headache during the dry season should not automatically be assumed to be malaria. Seek

immediate medical evaluation.

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Children and young adults

• People living in overcrowded settings

• Individuals in dry, dusty environments

• Persons with weakened immune systems

Schools, boarding facilities, universities, religious centres, IDP camps, correctional facilities (prisons)

and other crowded settings should ensure adequate ventilation and prompt reporting of suspected cases.

What the Public Should Do

1. Seek Care Early

- Do not self-medicate

- Do not rely on herbal remedies

- Immediate antibiotic treatment at a health facility is essential

- Report promptly to the nearest health facility if symptoms develop

2. Reduce Transmission Risk

- Avoid overcrowding where possible

- Ensure good ventilation in homes and gathering places

- Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

- Avoid sharing drinking cups and utensils

3. Vaccination

- Ensure eligible individuals receive meningitis vaccination as advised

- Participate in state-led reactive vaccination campaigns

- Meningitis vaccines are safe and remain one of the most effective prevention measures

NCDC Preparedness and Response

The NCDC, in collaboration with state ministries of health, continues to:

• Monitor meningitis trends through the national surveillance system

• Support laboratory confirmation of suspected cases

• Deploy Rapid Response Teams to affected areas where required

• Strengthen case management and treatment capacity

• Conduct risk communication and community engagement activities

When to Seek Emergency Care

Immediately visit a health facility if:

• Fever is accompanied by neck stiffness

• There is confusion, seizures, or altered consciousness

• Symptoms worsen rapidly

Early treatment significantly improves survival.

CONTACT

NCDC Toll-free Number: 6232| X: NCDCGov | Facebook: @NCDCgov | Instagram: @NCDCgov |

NCDC Media Releases www.ncdc.gov.ng

Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay healthy.

Signed:

Dr. Jide Idris

Director General

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

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