Thirteen persons were killed in Jigawa state by cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM) disease between January and March this year. Reports of the CSM outbreak came as shortage of vaccines was said to have marred vaccination efforts in the affected areas.

The Jigawa state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ibrahim Muhammad Nashabaru, said at a briefing that seventeen local government areas of the state, including Dutse the state capital, were affected. He noted that the state had only 7,300 doses of the vaccine when the outbreak of the disease began, adding that the Federal Government assisted with about 300,000 doses, all constituting only 10% of the total demand for the vaccine in the state.

The disease in the last couple of weeks has spread to other states, including Bauchi and Plateau, where some deaths were also recorded. The Directors of Health in Pankshin and Shendam Local Government areas both declared at a recent sensitization workshop on CSM organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the North Central zone in Jos that deaths from meningitis had been recorded in their areas.

The practice by states and local governments to wait for meningitis to break out before residents are vaccinated against the disease, or get to know what amount of vaccines is in stock leaves much to be desired. The outbreak of disease over the years has become a seasonal occurrence in the country; there ought to be more comprehensive and efficient methods therefore of tackling it. Such methods include early preparations to vaccinate people in risk environments even before the season sets in.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as meninges. A common disease worldwide, meningitis can result from contact with viruses, bacteria or other organisms. The disease is commonly contracted and spreads fast during hot seasons of the year especially in tropical regions. Meningitis affects people of all age groups; however, children, the elderly and persons with compromised immune system are more at risk. It can appear abruptly and may last from 48 hours to several weeks. Meningitis can be life-threatening because of the inflammation's proximity to the brain and spinal cord, which is why the disease is classified by health workers as a medical emergency.

While viral meningitis (also called aseptic meningitis) is caused by a group of viruses called entero-viruses; bacterial meningitis often follows infection of the middle ear, or upper respiratory tract, or pneumonia. According to experts, characteristic symptoms of meningitis in adults may include fever, headache, and stiff neck, an inability to bend the chin to the chest or tolerate light (photophobia). Symptoms of meningitis usually appear rapidly. Young adults can fall seriously ill in less than 24 hours of infection; older persons may not show typical symptoms but may have a low-grade fever. If infection is not treated promptly, other advanced symptoms that the disease would present may include drowsiness, irritability; confusion, loss of consciousness, shock, and stroke-like symptoms including paralysis.

Relevant government agencies including the Federal Ministry of Health, NEMA, and the National Primary Healthcare Agency (NPHA), should embark on regular mass enlightenment campaigns to educate the general public, particularly rural communities on the outbreak and symptoms of the disease; and to equally educate them on preventive measures such as avoiding over-crowded enclosures, keeping bedrooms properly ventilated especially at night by leaving the windows open. People who notice or present signs and symptoms of the disease should immediately seek medical attention. State health officials of affected areas need to take necessary measures to contain the spread of the disease, while other states should acquire sufficient vaccines and without delay to begin the vaccination of their communities, including public places such as schools, motor parks and marketplaces. Prevention is always better than cure.