The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently reported rising cases of suspected cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) cases across the country.

NCDC stated that during the epidemiological week of March 17 to 23, 2025, 315 suspected cases were reported in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Yobe states.

However, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recently received over 1,000,000 pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) doses from the Gavi-funded global stockpile to combat the meningococcus outbreak in northern Nigeria.

Health experts have commended the move, stating that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), particularly for those living in high-risk areas.

A public health expert with Botox-Lagos, Dr. Ngozi Felicia Ibe, said the vaccine received by the Federal Government would protect Nigerians against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.

According to her, immunisation campaigns have been initiated; targeting individuals aged one to 29 years, especially in high-risk areas.

In terms of risk factors, she said CSM could affect individuals of any age but young children, particularly those under the age of five, adolescents, and adults under 30 are at a higher risk.

“Males are often more affected than females,” she said; adding that hygiene practices such as regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with infected persons, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing can reduce the risk of transmission.

She disclosed that ensuring proper ventilation in crowded living environments, especially in schools, dormitories or refugee camps could also minimise risks involved in CSM.

She urged health institutions to set up surveillance systems to identify cases of CSM early and report them to the relevant authorities to prevent further spread. She also urged health workers to educate the public on the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures of CSM.

“This can include community outreach, distribution of informational materials, and media campaigns. Health institutions should collaborate with the government to run vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk areas, ensuring that the population is adequately protected,” she added.

Ibe noted that health workers should be trained to recognise CSM symptoms early and provide prompt treatment to affected individuals to reduce mortality and complications. She stressed that health institutions must also monitor and analyse data to track trends, identify emerging hotspots, and adjust their strategies as necessary, noting that the government should invest in strengthening the healthcare system, ensuring access to vaccines, and improving diagnostic and treatment facilities across the country.

She also stated that the government should facilitate nationwide vaccination campaigns, particularly in high-risk areas like the northern states to reduce the incidence of meningitis.

“Government should initiate and fund awareness campaigns through various media channels to educate the population on the symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures of CSM. Government should work closely with global health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) to secure necessary resources, funding, and expertise for controlling CSM outbreaks. Government should ensure robust surveillance systems in place and support research into better prevention and treatment strategies for CSM,” she said.

Ibe explained that cerebrospinal meningitis is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person, especially when they cough or sneeze.

“It could also spread through close personal contact, such as sharing utensils, drinking glasses, or living in crowded conditions. Good hygiene practices such as regular hand washing, using tissues when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can reduce the spread of the disease. Social distancing during outbreaks and avoiding overcrowded places can further reduce transmission risks,” she advised.

She said the symptoms of CSM include fever, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.

“Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect someone may have the disease. Ensure that you and your family are vaccinated, especially if you live in high-risk areas or are in the age groups most susceptible to the disease. People should stay vigilant especially those who live in areas with a history of CSM outbreaks. They should be cautious during the dry season when the disease tends to peak. They should follow public health guidelines; adhere to recommendations and advisories from the NCDC and other health authorities. By following these steps, individuals and communities can significantly reduce the risk of CSM outbreaks and protect public health,” Ibe said.

Consultant, Infectious Diseases Internal Medicine Department at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Dr. Adefolarin Opawoye, said the causes of cerebrospinal causes include bacterial such as neisseria meningitidis, streptococcus pneumoniae or viral infections.

He said the symptoms of CSM include severe headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and vomiting, adding that cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection that affects the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

“People are advised to take vaccines for cerebrospinal meningitis and other meningitis in terms of prevention,” he said.

Opawoye said there is also a need for creation of awareness about CSM through radio jingles, television programmes, flyers, handbills, among others, to educate people about the causes, signs and symptoms, especially in the communities across the country.

A psychiatric social worker at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Ajunmobi Temitayo, said treatment of CSM include antibiotics for bacterial meningitis and supportive care for viral meningitis, adding that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in cerebrospinal meningitis.

Temitayo noted that cerebrospinal meningitis symptoms could vary depending on the cause. Common symptoms include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and photophobia, confusion or altered mental state, vomiting, seizures, rash in some cases, especially with bacterial meningitis.

She noted that additional symptoms in infants include fever, vomiting, irritability, refusal to feed, bulging fontanelle, soft spot on the head.

“If you suspect meningitis, seek medical help immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes,” she said.