The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States in response to the ongoing outbreak of Meningitis (CSM).
The Head, Corporate Communication of NCDC, Sani Datti who announced the development in a statement on Friday explained that the deployment follows a significant increase in suspected cases reported from these states.
“As of 26th March 2025, a total of 807 suspected cases and 74 deaths have been reported across twenty-two (22) states, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 9.2 percent. Affected states include Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Ebonyi, Oyo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kaduna, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Ekiti, Niger, Plateau, FCT, and Sokoto.
“Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto States have recorded the highest number of suspected cases, deaths, and CFRs, with relatively low sample collection rates, necessitating urgent intervention”, he said.
According to the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, the Team would be in the said states for 14 days, and if need be, extension will be given to the them.
Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of personal safety and instructed all team members to strictly observe infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols throughout the response effort.
The deployed teams, comprising multisectoral and interdisciplinary experts—including specialists in case management and lumbar puncture techniques—are already in the affected states and working closely with the state health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
Some key objectives of the response include:
“Rapid containment of the outbreak, Strengthening case management and IPC measures, Enhancing surveillance and sample collection, Conducting risk communication and community engagement activities, Identifying the outbreak’s source and recommending appropriate public health actions”, the statement read.
