Nigeria has recorded 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) and 74 deaths across 22 states as of March 26, 2025, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The NCDC reported a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 9.2% due to the ongoing outbreak. The affected states include Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Sokoto.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to the most affected states: Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina. These states have reported the highest number of cases, deaths, and CFRs, despite having relatively low sample collection rates. The teams are working with state health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of the NCDC, stated that the Rapid Response Teams would remain in the affected states for 14 days. However, the stay may be extended if necessary. The teams consist of experts in case management, lumbar puncture techniques, and infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Their goals are to quickly contain the outbreak, improve case management, strengthen surveillance, and engage with the community to raise awareness.
Dr. Idris also emphasized the importance of following safety protocols, urging team members to strictly observe infection control measures during their response efforts.
The NCDC is committed to supporting state governments and partners in their efforts to protect public health by providing effective and timely responses to this public health threat. The ongoing outbreak highlights the urgent need for increased surveillance and better sample collection to prevent further infections.
Health
Health CS Aden Duale Forms Team to Verify Pending NHIF Claims
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has appointed a 19-member committee to review and verify unpaid medical claims accumulated under the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Kaduna to Hire 1,800 Health Workers to Boost PHC Services
Kaduna State Approves Recruitment of 1,800 Health Workers The Kaduna State Government has approved the recruitment of 1,800 new health workers to strengthen staffing in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Cholera Outbreak in Kisumu Claims Three Lives, Health Measures Launched
Cholera Outbreak in Kisumu Claims Three Lives, Urgent Actions Taken A cholera outbreak in Kisumu County has led to the deaths of three people, triggering immediate actions by health officials to prevent further spread.
China Grants Kenya Ksh.1.8 Billion for Major Hospital Upgrade
Kenya has secured a Ksh.1.8 billion grant from China to upgrade a hospital, a move expected to improve healthcare services.
Measles Case Confirmed in Amtrak Passenger Traveling to D.C.
Health officials in Washington, D.C., have confirmed a measles case in a passenger who traveled on an Amtrak train to the capital, potentially exposing others to the virus.
23andMe Files for Bankruptcy Amid Declining Sales and Data Breach
23andMe, a pioneering genetic testing company, has filed for bankruptcy after struggling with declining sales and a major data breach.
UNICEF: Over One Million Malnourished Children Face Aid Cuts
More than 1.3 million children under the age of five in Nigeria and Ethiopia risk losing access to lifesaving nutrition support this year due to funding shortages, UNICEF has warned.
Texas Measles Outbreak Worsens, Expected to Last for Months
The measles outbreak in West Texas continues to spread two months after it began, with health officials warning that it may last for several more months.
Meningitis Death Toll in Kebbi Reaches 55 as Cases Rise
A meningitis outbreak in Kebbi State has claimed 55 lives, with 653 suspected cases reported across three Local Government Areas (LGAs), health officials confirmed on Wednesday.
FDA Recalls Grand Chateaux Sangria Forte Over Safety Violations
Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued an urgent recall of Grand Chateaux Sangria Forte over safety concerns, targeting its Tetra Pak (250ml) and Canned (330ml Pétillante) versions.
USAID Cuts Could Leave Eight Countries Without HIV Treatments
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that eight countries could soon run out of HIV medications due to disruptions caused by the Trump administration’s decision to pause U.S. foreign aid.
Measles Cases in Europe Hit 25-Year High, UN Warns of Crisis
Europe has recorded its highest number of measles cases in 25 years, with infections doubling in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Clinical Officers End Strike After Agreement with Government
After weeks of negotiations, clinical officers have officially called off their strike following an agreement with the government.
Lagos Confirms Diphtheria Cases at King’s College, Starts Vaccination
The Lagos State Government has begun vaccinating students and staff at King’s College Annex, Victoria Island, following a diphtheria outbreak that has affected 14 students.
JOOTRH Elevated to National Referral Hospital, Gains State Funding
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has been upgraded to a National Teaching and Referral Hospital and designated as a state corporation.