Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention is urging vigilance and preventive measures, as cases of cerebrospinal meningitis and Lassa fever continue to affect more communities nationwide.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, its Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency has stocked emergency protective equipment across the country to respond promptly to new cases.

To prevent infections, Dr. Idris advised the public to securely store food, avoid bush burning that displaces rats, and maintain strict hygiene practices, and urged healthcare workers to take necessary precautions when handling patients and biological materials.

Between 2023 and 2024, Nigeria has reported 4,915 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, with 380 confirmed infections and 361 fatalities across 24 states. Additionally, the Lassa fever outbreak has impacted 28 states this year, with over 1,000 confirmed cases and 174 deaths.