Many Nigerian states have experienced an outbreak of meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The membranes most affected are the meninges.
Historically, Meningitis does not have a particular country where it originated from. However, the first case of meningitis was recorded in Geneva, Switzerland, in the 1800s. It was first noticed in patients with cases of stiff neck, severe fever, and neurological symptoms after diagnosis.
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Types and Causes
There are contagious and non-contagious types of meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious, it is mostly spread through respiratory droplets, such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, or close contact with an affected person. It can also spread from person to person in crowded social gatherings like schools, residence halls, and military barracks.
Fungal meningitis is non-contagious, which means it does not spread from person to person but mostly affects individuals with weakened immune systems. This variant of meningitis is mostly caused by fungi such as Cryptococcus or Histoplasma, which are often found in soil or bird droppings. Also, there is Parasitic Meningitis, which can be contracted through contaminated water or parasites.
Apart from the aforementioned ways through which meningitis can be contracted, some infections that are related to the sex organs can indirectly cause meningitis in rare cases.
Symptoms
The symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of the flu, and they usually become noticeable several hours or a few days after contracting it. The symptoms that affected people mostly notice include severe headache, sleepiness, stiff neck, fever and chills, seizures, nausea or vomiting, confusion or difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to light.
Meningitis, though not hereditary, can affect newborns and infants. Its symptoms in newborns and infants may include poor feeding, vomiting, stiffness in the body and neck, constant crying, and severe fever.
The most affected states in Nigeria with stats
In Nigeria, a Meningitis outbreak was first recorded in 1905, subsequently, several cases were recorded in different years. There was a worse outbreak in Nigeria and some West African countries in 1996, with a record of 109,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths.
The recent outbreak between 2023 and 2025 has hardly hit many Nigerian states; the most affected are the northern states, which include Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, and Sokoto, with 4,915 suspected cases and 361 deaths across 24 states.
Government efforts
As the spread of meningitis in states continues with cases and deaths, governments are making efforts to curb its spread. Recently, the Governor of Kebbi State approved N30 million for the purchase of drugs and other essential items for responsive activity aimed to combat the outbreak.
Also, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Protection has recently opened isolation centers in Kebbi states after rolling out a vaccine (Men5CV) in 2024, which was done based on the World Health Organization’s recommendation.
Prevention and Cure
Since meningitis is commonly caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites, it can be prevented in several ways, which include vaccination, avoiding close contact and crowded environments, good hygiene practices, and keeping a strong immune system.
Different variants of meningitis can be treated and cured in various ways. Seeking medical attention is highly advised when any of the meningitis symptoms is noticed. Bacterial Meningitis mostly requires Corticosteroids, which reduce brain swelling. It can also be treated with IV antibiotics, which are delivered directly into a vein to treat bacterial infection.
Fungal Meningitis, which often weakened immune systems, can be treated with antifungal medications.
