The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, says 56 deaths have been recorded in 32 States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, this year.

The deaths resulted from 961 cases of suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis.

Making the revelation on Thursday, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General of NCDC, in a statement, explained that the organization had continued to work with affected States to improve surveillance given the underreporting of cases with the support of partners.

According to the Director-General, to strengthen preparedness, detection and response to meningitis outbreaks, the centre also executed strategic prevention and control activities.

He explained that Cerebrospinal Meningitis is an epidemic-prone disease, with cases reported all year round in Nigeria.

The highest burden occurs in the ‘Meningitis Belt’ of Africa south of the Sahara Desert.

In Nigeria, the belt includes all 19 northern States, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and some Southern States.