Trend, pattern, and outcome of meningitis cases in Northwest, Nigeria: A 10 Year review of case-based surveillance data
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective This study aimed to describe the epidemiological pattern of Cerebrospinal meningititis (CSM) cases, and related mortality in Jigawa State, Northwest Nigeria, over a 10-year period. Methods We conducted a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study of 1943 line-listed CSM cases spanning 2015–2024, in line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 at a 5 % level of significance. Results Patient ages ranged from 1 to 70 years, with a median of 12 years (IQR 6–17). Adolescents aged 10–19 years constituted the largest proportion of cases (39.7 %). The highest burden of CSM occurred in 2023 (71.6 % of cases). Overall, case fatality was 8 %. Unlike previous years, when outbreaks peaked in the early weeks, the 2023 outbreak extended from epidemiological week 50 through week 1 of 2024. The overall attack rate at the state level was 25.8 per 100,000 population. Mortality was significantly higher among cases not admitted for care; admitted patients were 50 % less likely to die (aOR = 0.5; 95 % CI: 0.4–0.8). Laboratory results from the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) showed 59.4 % positivity, with serogroup C ( Neisseria meningitidis type C) accounting for 57.1 % of confirmed cases. All positive cultures correlated with PCR positivity (100 %, p < 0.001), and nearly all (99.7 %, p < 0.001) confirmed N. meningitidis type C. Other detected pathogens included N. meningitidis X, Streptococcus pneumoniae , and non-groupable Neisseria . Conclusions Recurrent CSM outbreaks in Jigawa State are linked with considerable illness and death, primarily affecting individuals aged 1–29 years, most of whom lacked prior vaccination against any meningococcal serotype. The predominant strains are not covered by the current national immunization program. There is an urgent need for government and partners to introduce the Multivalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MMCV), in line with WHO recommendations.
Authors: Usman Muhammad Ibrahim, Boateng Kofi, Salisu Muazu Babura, Sunday Audu, Abba Ahmed Danzomo, Salihu Abdullahi Ahmed, Faruk Abdullahi Namadi, Musa Mahdi Wade, Saidu Yusuf, Nuruddeen Muhammad, Usman L. Shehu, Rayyan Muhammad Garba, Kabiru Abdulsalam, Abubakar Mayana Sanusi, Abubakar Mohammed Jibo
Institutions: Federal University Dutse, World Health Organization - Nigeria, World Health Organization - Pakistan, World Health Organization, Nasarawa State University, Maryam Abacha American University of Niger, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Bayero University Kano, University of Bisha
Language: English
Subfield: Microbiology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7127071064