…so far there is 1966 suspected cases in Nigeria, 109 has been confirmed, with 282 deaths.
…Zamfara,Kebbi,Katsina,
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control,(NCDC) on Thursday said it has commenced vaccination for the control of meningitis with focus on affected states of Zamfara,Katsina,Niger,Sokoto,and Kebbi states.
Chikwe Ihekweazu, Chief Executive Officer, NCDC, gave the information to newsmen in Abuja during an interactive session.
Ihekweazu said that so far there is 1966 suspected cases in Nigeria, 109 has been confirmed, with 282 deaths.
He informed that Zamfara has the highest number of confirmed cases at 44, Kastina with 32, Sokoto with 19, Kebbi with 10 and Niger with 4 confirmed cases.
He also said that the there is an inter agency response supporting the states in the out break, and the primary mode of responding to meningitis out break is vaccination.
Ihekweazu explained that there is a new stereotype meniningitis called ”stereotype C” as against the previous known type ”stereotype A” which has disappeared.
He pointed out that there is no commercially available vaccine for this new stereotype C meningitis yet,but acknowledged the support of the World Health Organisation,(WHO) in addressing the disease burden in the country.
”There is a vaccine available but it is not commercially available for the stereotype involved in this specific out break and we have to make application to the World Health Organisation,(WHO) for the vaccines.
”Thankfully the vaccines have arrived and we have started vaccination campaign in Zamfara, we are in the process of starting in Sokoto and Kebbi state.
”We would continue to advocate for scientists and for the global community to really try and push to develop a vaccine for meningitis C, on the other hand all we can do is prevention, ” he said.
Ihekweazu said that prevention and early detection was key to combating the disease, If detected early, it could be treated with antibiotics.
He said that the centre is working with the states by supporting and ensuring they have the supplies to combat the disease.
”Meningitis is a tough disease especially during this period and it is associated with over crowding, understanding the living conditions in the country, people must keep their building ventilated,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to avoid sleeping in over crowded condition and if a lot of people must sleep together in the same room, the windows and doors must be open to allow enough ventilation in the room.
He added that the centre will work with the state government in the North West and North Central where most cases have happened to ensure better preparation next year,with a view to addressing future concerns.
He suggested further to Nigerians to always stay healthy and avoid congested environments which could trigger the bacteria that causes the ailment.
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