The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a warning regarding a rise in cholera cases across the country, reporting 30 deaths, 1,141 suspected cases, and 65 confirmed cases between January and June 11, 2024. According to Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of NCDC, these cases have been identified in 96 local government areas spanning 30 states.
Dr. Idris highlighted those ten states—Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos—have contributed significantly to the cholera burden, accounting for 90 percent of the cases. He emphasized the importance of vigilance as the rainy season exacerbates the spread of cholera.
Dr. Idris stated, "Recently, an outbreak was reported in Lagos State," underscoring the situation's urgency. In collaboration with the National Cholera Technical Working Group comprising various federal ministries, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, the NCDC has been actively supporting affected states. Their efforts include risk communication, case detection, laboratory testing, treatment, provision of response supplies, and hygiene education through local and English awareness campaigns.
Cholera, a water and foodborne illness caused by Vibrio cholera bacteria, spreads through contaminated water and food, often contaminated by infected individuals' feces. Dr. Idris advised preventive measures such as ensuring access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices like frequent handwashing with soap and boiling water before consumption. He also emphasized the importance of thorough cooking of food, avoiding open defecation, and proper waste disposal to mitigate the risk of cholera transmission.
