Meningitis: Death Toll Rises To 745

The federal government yesterday said about 745 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak of the Cerebrospinal Meningitis C from late 2016.This was revealed in a press release made available to LEADERSHIP, by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).Giving an update on the federal governments activities in tackling the disease since its outbreak, the statement revealed that about 8, 057 cases have been reported as at April 17, 2017, noting that Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger have been worst hit.The statement however disclosed that the federal government had been on its toes as massive advocacy including vaccination activities being led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is ongoing.The statement reads in part, The NPHCDA successfully led vaccination in Zamfara and in Katsina targeting persons between ages 229 years in the priority LGAs in both states. Preparations are at advanced stages for the next round of vaccination in priority wards and local government areas in Sokoto State. Distribution of medicines and other essential commodities to treat persons with meningitis in key affected states is also ongoing.The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have continued to lead the federal government response outbreak, with activities focused on four key control areas. These include raising awareness of the outbreak in communities, implementing enhanced surveillance to quickly detect and report new cases, vaccinating populations at the highest risk and treating persons diagnosed with the disease, as well as outbreak preparation in LGAs and states at risk.The CSM National Emergency Operations Centre at the NCDC is leading the national coordination and support for the outbreak response in affected states.
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