NEMA Cautions Nigerians On Cerebro Spinal Meningitis

The Abuja Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged members of the public to sleep in ventilated rooms to curb the spread of cerebro spinal meningitis.

Mr Ishaya Chonoko, the Coordinator of the office, made the call in an interview with  newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

He also advised the people to avoid living in congested rooms.

Chonoko said that the call became necessary following a fresh outbreak of the disease in some parts of the country.

“Cerebro spinal meningitis has continued to constitute public health threat to Nigeria, especially in the north and occurs annually.

“World Health Organisation’s (WHO) report at the end of Feb. 2009 shows that 8,424 cases were reported with 1,181 deaths recorded,’’ Chonoko said.

According to him, there is a belt called, ‘meningitis belt’ which happens between December to June yearly.

He said meningitis could be life threatening, adding, “the inflammation caused by infections from the virus are proximal to the brain and spinal cord”.

He said the condition was classified as an emergency.

Chonoko said NEMA would carry out sensitisation programmes in the six geo-political zones to enlighten the public on the disease.

He said the programme would kick off in the FCT and Kogi in April.

Our correspondent reports that the disease had this year caused the death of 30 people in seven states.