Meningitis kills 140 in Nigeria

At least 140 people have been killed in a meningitis outbreak in six states in Nigeria, including the federal capital, Abuja.

More than 80 of the deaths occurred in north-western Zamfara state.  

Confirming the news, a director at Nigeria's centre for disease control, Dr Nasiru Sani Gwarzol, said the death toll was expected to rise.

More than 1,000 people have been infected.

Dr Gwarzol said the disease is spreading, with fears that it could get out of control if it reaches overcrowded areas like refugee camps and prisons.

He said the authorities are taking all necessary measures to rend the outbreak.

Minister of Health Isaac Adewole has said a new strain, which may have been imported from a neighbouring country, is now prevalent and requires a different type of vaccine.
Source: BBC