PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY ON CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS (CSM)

Issued by: Director General, Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC)

Background

Following a national advisory from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC) alerts the Kano State public that the 2025/2026 Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) season has commenced. CSM is a bacterial infection of the brain and spinal cord lining that can cause death or lifelong disability within hours if not promptly treated.

The disease spreads more easily during the dry, dusty season (October to May) due to low humidity, poor ventilation, and overcrowding, Kano State lies within the African meningitis belt and remains at risk of seasonal outbreaks if preventive measures are not strictly followed.

How CSM Spreads

• Through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with infected persons.

• In crowded or poorly ventilated environments such as dormitories, prisons, IDP camps, or homes.

Symptoms of Meningitis

Please, be alert for:

• High fever

• Severe headache and neck stiffness

• Vomiting, confusion, or sensitivity to light

• Convulsions, weakness, or loss of consciousness

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical care. Early treatment can save lives and prevent complications such as deafness, paralysis, or brain injury.

Prevention and Control

1. Reduce Overcrowding and Improve Ventilation

* Avoid overcrowding in homes, schools, and public places.

* Keep windows slightly open to allow fresh air circulation.

* Maintain clean surroundings and proper waste disposal.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

* Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

* Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

* * Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of meningitis.

3. Get Vaccinated

* Meningitis vaccination is safe and effective—ensure that children and vulnerable persons are vaccinated.

* The State Ministry of Health will conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk LGAs and institutions at appropriate times. 

Government Actions

The Kano State Government, through KNCDC, has put its Incident Management System (IMS) on watch as no active has been recorded across the state.

Current interventions include:

* Enhancing surveillance for rapid detection and response.

*Retraining of health workers in sample collection and case management.

* Linking all LGAs to the National Sample Referral Network for timely laboratory testing.

-*Conducting risk communication and community engagement through radio, TV, and local 

leaders.

* Pre-positioning essential medicines and supplies for prompt treatment.

Focus on High-Risk Settings

Special preventive attention is directed toward boarding schools, Almajiri institutions, 

prisons, correctional centres, and IDP camps, where overcrowding increases transmission risk. Facility managers must ensure good ventilation, regular sanitation, and prompt reporting of suspected cases.

Final Message

Meningitis can kill within hours, but it is preventable and treatable when detected early. The Kano State Government calls on all residents to remain vigilant, ensure vaccination, maintain good hygiene, and report suspected cases promptly. Together, we can protect our families, communities, and our state from Cerebrospinal Meningitis.

Hotlines for Kano State

For inquiries or to report suspected cases in Kano State, please contact:

• KNCDC on 07077974507

• kanocdc@gmail.com

• NCDC Connect Centre (24/7): info@ncdc.gov.ng, Toll-free 6232, WhatsApp: 0708 711

0839, SMS:08099555577

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