The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an alert of the outbreak of meningitis in most parts of the country.
The bulletin issued by the agency stated that there is high risk of meningitis outbreak due to current atmospheric conditions, especially in northern Nigeria.
The states at high risk of the outbreak are; Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi and Yobe states, reports The Nation.
The alert issued by the agency reads: “The observed atmospheric conditions are currently favourable for meningitis, mainly across the northern part of the country. The meningococcal meningitis remains the most prevalent strain within the meningitis belt.”
The agency noted that the most vulnerable groups include the infants, young children, the elderly, those with weak immune system and people with head injuries.
Symptoms according to NiMet include; fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, light sensitivity, and seizures.
Safety protocols highlighted by NiMet are: “Getting vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands, and regularly avoiding close contact with those infected”.
The agency urged relevant agencies responsible for public health to take note and take preventive actions.
