Meningitis Outbreak Claims 26 Lives in Northwest Nigeria

BIRNIN KEBBI, Nigeria – A meningitis outbreak in northwestern Nigeria has tragically claimed the lives of 26 people since late January, authorities confirmed Tuesday.¹ The outbreak, centered in Kebbi State, has prompted urgent measures to contain the spread of the deadly disease.²

Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Musa Ismail, revealed that over 200 suspected cases have been recorded since the outbreak began. Medical supplies have been dispatched to the affected areas, and isolation centers have been established to prevent further transmission.³

“We are taking all necessary steps to control the outbreak and provide care to those affected,” Ismail told reporters in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Neighboring Sokoto State, approximately 150 kilometers (90 miles) away, is also on high alert.⁴ Sokoto State Commissioner of Health, Faruk Abubakar, urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, stiff neck, and severe headaches.⁵

Meningitis, a communicable disease that inflames the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is more prevalent during Nigeria’s hot season.⁶ The country, situated within the African Meningitis Belt, faces a significant public health challenge in combating the disease.⁷

Adding to the health concerns, Nigeria also grapples with the world’s highest burden of malaria.⁸ The country previously received aid from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to combat these diseases, but this support has recently been withdrawn.⁹

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2022 and 2023, Nigeria recorded 2,765 suspected meningitis cases and 190 deaths.¹⁰ In 2024, the World Health Organization reported 153 deaths in a similar outbreak.¹¹

Nigeria is actively working towards implementing a roadmap approved by the World Health Assembly in November 2020, which aims to eliminate meningitis by 2030.¹² The country, comprised of 36 states, faces a substantial task in achieving this goal.¹³

© 2025 The Associated Press.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.¹⁴ The situation regarding disease outbreaks is dynamic, and information may change rapidly. Readers are advised to seek up to date information from reliable sources such as the WHO and the NCDC.