Nigeria’s health authorities are grappling with a growing cholera outbreak, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reporting 103 deaths from 3,623 suspected cases as of July 16th.
The outbreak has spread across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), impacting a total of 187 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The worst-affected states are Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina, and Zamfara, which together account for 83% of the reported cases and fatalities.
At a press conference on July 16th, NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris provided an update on the situation. He revealed a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8% since the beginning of the year, with children aged five being the most affected demographic. Males account for slightly more than half of the reported cases (52%).
“The NCDC is working closely with affected states to strengthen public health interventions and prevent further spread of the outbreak,” stated Dr. Idris. These interventions likely include measures like improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities, educating communities about hygiene practices, and deploying rapid response teams to contain outbreaks in local areas.
Cholera is a potentially life-threatening diarrhoeal illness caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. It spreads through contaminated water and food and can lead to rapid dehydration if left untreated. The outbreak highlights the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent such diseases.
The NCDC’s ongoing efforts to manage the outbreak are crucial to protect public health in Nigeria. Residents are advised to practice good hygiene, drink safe water, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of cholera such as severe diarrhea and vomiting.