What is meningitis

What is
Meningitis

Map indicating meningitis cases (n = 1686 suspected cases) between 1 October 2022 and 16 April 2023.

Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis can kill. And it can affect anyone of any age.

In as short as a 6-month period (between 1 October 2022 and 16 April 2023), Nigeria reported a total of 1686 suspected cases of meningitis, including 124 deaths.

The meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa

The meningitis belt has the highest rates of meningitis. This area stretches from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east (26 countries) and includes the northern part of Nigeria. Meningitis in these countries follows a seasonal pattern – it is most common during the dry season (December through June). It peaks between March and April, when there is low humidity and high levels of dust. These are favourable conditions for meningococci (Neisseria meningitidis) – one of the bacteria that cause meningitis.

Causes of meningitis

Meningitis is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. But the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis.

Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) are the main culprits. 

The bacteria that can cause meningitis commonly live in the back of the nose or throat. The bacteria are passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and kissing.

The viruses that can cause meningitis can be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and on unwashed hands. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands after going to the toilet, will help to prevent the spread of some viruses.