The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public advisory regarding the increasing cases of cholera across Nigeria, particularly alarming during the rainy season. As of June 11, 2024, there have been 1,141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths reported in 96 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 30 states.
The states contributing significantly to this burden include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos. The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, emphasized the collaborative efforts of the National Cholera Technical Working Group, which includes various governmental and non-governmental partners, in responding to the outbreak.
Cholera is a food- and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of Vibrio cholerae bacteria from contaminated water or food. Dr. Idris highlighted that contamination can occur at various points from the source to consumption, including during transportation and storage. Common sources of transmission include beverages, street food, and untreated water.
Key preventive measures recommended by the NCDC include ensuring access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation and waste disposal, and practicing good hygiene such as frequent handwashing with soap and water. Boiling water before consumption and thoroughly cooking food are also essential precautions. Additionally, avoiding open defecation and indiscriminate refuse dumping helps reduce the risk of contamination.
Health workers are urged to maintain standard safety precautions, such as wearing gloves when handling patients, and to enhance surveillance efforts for early detection and reporting of cholera cases. The NCDC continues to advocate for state governments to prioritize initiatives that improve water quality, sanitation, and hygiene practices within communities to mitigate the spread of cholera.
This advisory underscores the critical need for proactive measures at both individual and community levels to combat cholera outbreaks, especially as the rainy season progresses, creating conditions favorable for its transmission.