The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a shocking surge in cholera cases, with a total of 14,237 cases across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of October 13, 2024.
This outbreak, affecting 339 local government areas, has resulted in 378 deaths, showcasing a case-fatality ratio of 2.7%, according to NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Idris underscored the critical nature of cholera as a public health concern, especially in regions lacking adequate infrastructure for water, sanitation, and hygiene. He attributed the current increase in cases to intense rainfall and subsequent flooding, particularly in the northern states of Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano, which have emerged as the primary hotspots for the outbreak. Earlier this year, the outbreak had concentrated mainly in the southern states as the rainy season commenced.
Dr. Idris also highlighted the vulnerability of children under five years old, who have been disproportionately impacted by the outbreak, noting a significant rise in the number of cholera cases compared to the same period last year.
In response to the situation, the NCDC has mobilized rapid response teams to the most affected areas, collaborating with health ministries and stakeholders to curb the spread of the disease. High-level advocacy visits to states like Borno were also conducted to engage with health leaders and offer support to communities displaced by floods. In partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the NCDC has launched reactive cholera vaccination campaigns in internally displaced persons camps, playing a crucial role in reducing the number of reported cases.
Furthermore, Dr. Idris shared that the number of confirmed Mpox cases in Nigeria has increased to 102 across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, up from the previous count of 94.
The NCDC continues to call on Nigerians to prioritize personal hygiene, especially the regular use of soap and water for handwashing, and to seek immediate medical attention for cholera symptoms, which include severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
Dr. Idris reiterated the NCDC’s dedication to improving surveillance, delivering prompt treatment, and enhancing sanitation practices in communities affected by cholera, emphasizing that the disease is preventable through concerted efforts.
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