By Mahadi Tukur Almizan
A new outbreak of meningitis has claimed at least 45 lives in northern Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The NCDC said in a statement that the disease has been reported in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, with hundreds currently receiving treatment in isolation centers.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, NCDC’s Director-General, confirmed that a national response team has been deployed to affected areas to strengthen surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
“We urge citizens to report early symptoms like fever, neck stiffness, and severe headache to nearby hospitals,” Adetifa said.
Health workers say the outbreak is worsened by overcrowding and poor sanitation, particularly in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged support through vaccine supply and logistics, while the Nigerian government intensifies awareness campaigns to curb further spread.
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