Dry Season: NCDC Issues Alert On Lassa Fever, Meningitis

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has issued a critical alert as the dry season brings a surge in Lassa fever and cerebrospinal meningitis.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, urged Nigerians to stay vigilant against the serious health threats.

Idris stated that the peak season, which typically occurs between December and June, poses significant health risks, particularly in regions with poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and vulnerable populations.

He said, Lassa fever death toll had reached one hundred and seventy-four from one thousand thirty-five cases, while cerebrospinal meningitis has claimed three hundred and sixty-one lives from over eight thousand five hundred suspected cases across twenty-eight states as of mid-October.

Lassa fever

Lassa fever is a severe and highly contagious viral disease characterised by hemorrhagic symptoms, primarily caused by the Lassa virus.

This virus is naturally hosted by the multimammate rat, commonly referred to as the African rat, which serves as its primary reservoir. Additionally, other rodent species can also harbour and transmit the virus.

Meningitis

Speaking on Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), the DG said it is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord’s protective layers adding that this inflammation can be triggered by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, as well as injuries and certain medications.

According to him, in Nigeria, CSM cases are reported throughout the year, but the risk of infection surges during the dry season. Factors such as dust, strong winds, cold nights, and increased upper respiratory tract infections, combined with overcrowding and poor ventilation, contribute to the heightened risk of transmission.