Following the outbreak of the Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the country, the Federal Government yesterday said, it is leading an outbreak response team who will mount surveillance, detect and strengthen the prevention of the disease to other parts of the affected States through raising awareness.
The team, which includes representatives from the NPHCDA, World Health Organisation, UNICEF, US Centers for Disease Control, Médecins Sans Frontières and EHealth Africa will also work towards verification, disease management as well as communication and coordination across the affected States.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known in a statement adding that while 1966 cases have been reported so far, the five states affected have already recorded a proportion of an epidemic outbreak.
The NCDC further confirmed deaths of 282 persons being linked to the disease.
The States affected include, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Niger.
“Cases of CSM were first reported in Zamfara State late in 2016. As at March 28 2017, the number of suspected cases reported for the 2016/2017 CSM season stands at 1,966 with the outbreak reaching epidemic proportions in five States
“Public health agencies in Nigeria led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) are supporting several States in North West Nigeria to respond to a widespread outbreak of Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM),” it said.