As of October 13, 2024, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has documented 14,237 cases of cholera in 35 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 339 local government areas, since January 2024.
At a press conference on Thursday 17 October 2024, in Abuja, monitored by PUNCH, Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of the NCDC, announced that 378 people have died from cholera to date. He added that cholera continues to be a major public health concern, especially in areas with inadequate systems for water, sanitation, and hygiene. He added that the center was collaborating with key players to stop the spread and preserve lives.
“As of October 13, 2024, there were 14,237 cases of cholera reported in 339 local government areas across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Regrettably, 378 deaths have occurred, translating to a case-fatality ratio of approximately 2.7%. Children under the age of five are disproportionately affected by this outbreak.
“There have been two notable waves of cholera this year; the most recent wave was recorded in the week of September 29 (Epi Week 39), and it was caused by heavy rains and subsequent flooding. This is a pattern we predicted based on information and warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
“The current epicenters of the cholera outbreak are the northern states of Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano, as a result of the floods that have worsened the disease’s spread. As the rains started earlier in the year, the majority of cholera cases were found in the southern states; however, this has now shifted, with a large share of cases occurring in the northern states.
“When compared to this time last year, the number of probable cholera illnesses and deaths in 2024 has more than doubled. These figures highlight the need for ongoing awareness and action and demonstrate the seriousness of the outbreak. Also, it highlights the need for increased commitment to tackling issues related to open defecation, inadequate access to clean water, poor environmental sanitation, food, and personal hygiene at both the national and subnational levels.
He noted that the affected northern states have received rapid reaction teams from the agency, comprising specialists from one health line ministry. High-level advocacy visits, he continued, were made, among other places, to Borno State in order to interact with the state’s health leadership, support response teams, and assist villages that had been devastated by flooding.
Cooperation with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency has strengthened our efforts. As a team, we have effectively assisted our sister organization, the NPCHDA, in conducting reactive cholera vaccinations in camps for internally displaced people. This action has been essential in lowering the number of cases that are being reported.
“We strongly advise all Nigerians to follow proper food, environmental, and personal hygiene practices, with a focus on routine hand washing with soap and water under running water. We also advise them to seek medical attention right away if they have any cholera symptoms, such as severe diarrhea or vomiting.
“Our priorities are still very clear as we look to the future: we’ll keep stepping up surveillance, treating impacted individuals more quickly, and bolstering water sanitation and hygiene programs in impacted regions. He said, “Cholera is a preventable disease, and with our combined efforts, we can control and ultimately eliminate this threat.”
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