As of June 11, Nigeria has reported alarming figures of cholera outbreaks, with 1,141 suspected cases and 65 confirmed cases resulting in 30 deaths across 96 Local Government Areas in 30 states including Lagos. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a stern warning regarding the increased spread of cholera through contaminated water sources, urging immediate precautions to stem further escalation of the deadly disease.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, underscored the urgency of the situation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He emphasised that cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, thrives in environments characterised by poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Despite its association with unsanitary conditions, recent outbreaks have also been reported in seemingly clean settings such as affluent neighbourhoods, hotels, and restaurants with inadequate hygiene practices.
“The recent surge in cholera cases across various states necessitated our agency’s alert to both state authorities and citizens to take immediate precautions,” Dr. Idris stated. He attributed the spike in cases to compromised sanitation infrastructure, facilitating the contamination of drinking water systems by sewage, thereby heightening the risk of cholera transmission.
Dr. Idris advised states to prioritise water treatment measures such as boiling and the use of purification tablets to effectively reduce the risk of infection. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with state governments to implement stringent measures aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.
“Public awareness campaigns are currently ongoing to educate communities on safe water practices and hygiene,” Dr. Idris continued. He emphasised the severe nature of cholera symptoms, which include severe dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, underscoring the critical importance of early detection and prompt treatment to prevent fatalities.
States such as Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos bear the brunt of the cholera burden, collectively accounting for 90% of reported cases in the country.
Amidst the broader African context, cholera outbreaks have affected multiple countries, claiming over 6,000 lives and infecting nearly 350,000 individuals since late 2021. The NCDC reiterated that preventive efforts hinge on ensuring access to safe water, and sanitation facilities, promoting hygiene practices, and administering oral cholera vaccines.
The NCDC’s multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group continues to provide vital support to affected states, encompassing risk communication, active case detection, laboratory diagnosis, and comprehensive response strategies.
In line with global initiatives, a strategy launched in 2017 aims to reduce cholera-related deaths by 90% by 2030, reflecting ongoing commitment and concerted efforts to combat this preventable disease.
