Nigeria, April 5 -- Nigeria has begun a major push to contain a fast-spreading meningitis outbreak that has already killed over 70 people and infected more than 800 across 23 states.

To battle the disease, the country has received one million doses of a powerful new vaccine designed to protect against five types of meningitis-causing bacteria.

The arrival of the Men5CV vaccines follows an emergency request made in March and is the first major step in a national outbreak response.

The first doses are being sent to Kebbi and Sokoto States, where infections have been highest.

Authorities are targeting those between the ages of 1 and 29, a group found to be most at risk.

This outbreak, which thrives during Nigeria's dry season, usually w...