ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMET) has raised alarm over the current weather condition in Nigeria.
The agency said the current weather conditions could lead to an increase in meningitis outbreaks.
It highlighted that states like Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno are highly susceptible to meningitis outbreaks.
The agency gave the warning via its official X account, adding that the conditions in states like Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Kebbi, Katsina, and Gombe have moderate situations with meningitis outbreaks, while other states are places where low or no meningitis vigilance is required.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), stated that Nigeria recorded a total of 303 confirmed cases and 190 deaths from Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2022 to 2023.
NCDC said the highest burden of CSM in Nigeria occurs in the “Meningitis Belt”, which includes all 19 states in the Northern region, the FCT, and some southern states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun.
NiMet had on 14 February, raised alarm over the weather conditions across the country, noting that “air temperatures hit 41°C over the North and 39°C over the South.
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It also warned that the high heat level can cause dehydration, heat-related illness, and respiratory issues, among other chronic conditions.
NiMet further stated that the northern part of the country will expect to experience more heat than the southern region.
According to NiMet, people will experience dehydration which could cause fainting; Chickenpox disease, Measles, and heat rash, as a result of the high temperature,
Others include weakness of the body, dry lips, and other heat-related ailments that could increase their vulnerability to other medical conditions.
NCDC however, advised people to avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate ventilation and airflow in the home as measures to reduce the spread of meningitis.
The disease control centre also encouraged the use of disposable tissue to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
NCDC further urged that people should ensure they wash their hands, especially after sneezing or coughing.
“Seek proper diagnosis and treatment at a medical facility if a sudden high fever or neck stiffness occurs, ” NCDC said.
NCDC said that meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a thin layer of the connective tissue that covers the brain and the spinal cord.
This inflammation according to them can be caused by infection with organisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Injuries and certain drugs can also cause such inflammation.
On transmission, NCDC said meningitis is transmitted from direct person-to-person contact, including droplets from the nose and throat of infected persons; and close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.
“CSM initially presents as fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, photophobia (pain on looking at bright lights), neck stiffness, and altered conscious levels. It may be more difficult to observe these signs in younger children, but irritability, poor feeding, and inactivity are common,” NCDC noted.