The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a critical alert as the dry season brings a surge in Lassa fever and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, urged Nigerians to stay Awake against these serious health threats.
As of mid-October, the Lassa fever death toll had reached 174 from 1,035 cases, while CSM has claimed 361 lives from over 8,500 suspected cases across 28 states.
Dry, dusty conditions in northern Nigeria are fueling the spread of CSM, adding urgency to preventive efforts.