Posted on: Mon 13-10-2025

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has raised a red alert over the potential outbreak of Lassa Fever and Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the state, urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to preventive measures.

The warning was issued by the Director General of the KNCDC, Dr. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, in a public health advisory released in Kano. He noted that the alert followed a national advisory from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), which confirmed that the 2025/2026 Lassa Fever and CSM seasons have officially commenced across the country.

Dr. Abbas explained that Lassa Fever usually emerges between October and November, with cases peaking between January and May, and that Kano remains at high risk due to its ecological and environmental conditions.

“The Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC) wishes to inform the general public that the 2025/2026 Lassa Fever season has commenced across Nigeria. Given Kano’s ecological and environmental conditions, the risk of transmission remains significant,” he stated.

In response, the Kano State Government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) for Lassa Fever preparedness and response. Key measures already in place include:

Pre-positioning of personal protective equipment (PPEs), antivirals, and medical supplies in strategic health facilities.

Training of health workers on case management and infection prevention.

Community sensitization and rodent control campaigns in high-risk local government areas.

Strengthened coordination under the One Health approach, involving environmental and agricultural sectors.

Dr. Abbas advised residents to maintain clean surroundings, store food securely, avoid contact with rodents, and promptly report persistent fever cases to the nearest health facility instead of self-medicating at home.

He emphasized that Lassa Fever is preventable and treatable when detected early, adding that all suspected cases must be reported through official surveillance platforms.

Turning to Cerebrospinal Meningitis, Dr. Abbas warned that Kano also faces significant risk as the state lies within the African Meningitis Belt. The dry season, which runs from October to May, typically favours the spread of the infection due to low humidity, poor ventilation, and overcrowded living conditions.

“CSM is a bacterial infection of the brain and spinal cord lining that can cause death or lifelong disability within hours if not promptly treated,” he said.

He disclosed that the KNCDC has placed its Incident Management System (IMS) on high alert to monitor possible outbreaks, with preventive interventions targeting boarding schools, Almajiri centres, correctional facilities, and IDP camps, where overcrowding heightens transmission risk.

Facility managers have been directed to ensure adequate ventilation, maintain regular sanitation, and report suspected cases immediately.

Dr. Abbas urged residents to take advantage of the meningitis vaccination, stressing that it is safe, effective, and the best preventive tool available.

“Meningitis can kill within hours, but it is preventable and treatable when detected early. We call on all residents to ensure vaccination, maintain good hygiene, and remain alert,” he added.

The KNCDC assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and strengthen coordination with national health authorities to prevent possible outbreaks in Kano State.

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