Nigeria’s meteorological agency has raised the alarm over an increased risk of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in several northern states as dry season conditions intensify.
In a public health advisory posted on X, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) said hot, dry and dusty weather patterns were creating favourable conditions for the spread of the potentially deadly infection.
CSM is a serious disease that affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
It is most commonly caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and spreads through respiratory droplets, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
According to the agency, states facing the highest risk include Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe and Borno.
Residents in parts of central Nigeria were urged to remain vigilant, while Plateau, Oyo, Cross River, Edo, Ekiti and Enugu were classified as low-vigilance areas.
NiMet warned that the disease can progress rapidly and become life-threatening within hours if left untreated.
However, early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment greatly improve survival rates and reduce the risk of complications.
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Children and young adults, people living in overcrowded conditions, individuals exposed to dry and dusty environments, and those with weakened immune systems were identified as the most vulnerable groups.
Symptoms to watch for include sudden high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
The agency advised members of the public to seek immediate medical attention if such signs appear.
Emphasising prevention, NiMet said vaccination remains one of the most effective protective measures.
It also urged regular handwashing, avoidance of sharing personal items such as cups or utensils, and improved ventilation in homes, schools and public spaces.
Nigeria has recorded repeated meningitis outbreaks over the years, particularly in northern states within Africa’s so-called meningitis belt.
These outbreaks typically peak during the dry season, when heat, dust and overcrowding increase transmission risks.
In April 2025, the country received more than one million doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccines in response to an outbreak that had already recorded over 800 cases and more than 70 deaths nationwide.
The vaccination drive targeted people aged one to 29, the group most affected by the disease.