The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has confirmed that the country has recorded 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, CSM, with 74 deaths across 22 states as of March 26, 2025.

The agency disclosed that the Case Fatality Rate, CFR, stands at 9.2 per cent.

In a statement titled “CSM outbreak: NCDC rapid response teams in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states” and signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Sani Datti, the NCDC said it had deployed Rapid Response Teams, RRT, to the three states in response to the surge in cases.

The NCDC explained that the intervention became necessary following a significant rise in suspected cases, particularly in Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto.

“As of March 26, 2025, a total of 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths have been reported across 22 states, with a CFR of 9.2 per cent.

“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 have recorded the highest number of suspected cases and deaths, with relatively low sample collection rates, necessitating urgent intervention,” the statement noted.

Speaking on the development, the Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the RRTs would operate for an initial period of 14 days, with a possible extension if required.

Idris underscored the importance of safety measures, urging all deployed personnel to adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols.

“The deployed teams, consisting of multisectoral and interdisciplinary experts—including specialists in case management and lumbar puncture techniques—are already on the ground, working closely with state health authorities to contain the outbreak and curb 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, and identifying the outbreak’s source to guide appropriate public health actions.

“The NCDC remains committed to supporting state governments and partners in protecting the health of Nigerians through timely and effective responses to public health threats,” he assured.