Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that 3,623 cases of cholera have been recorded in the country, while no fewer than 103 people have died of the aliment.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of NCDC made the disclosure at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
He explained that the situation was worsened by the rainy season as it aides the spread of epidemic diseases.
Dr. Idris, who appreciated efforts of stakeholders in fighting epidemic, said: “Since June 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the NCDC, has been actively responding to the cholera outbreak, which has significantly impacted the health and well-being of our country.
“As of July 15, 2024, Nigeria has recorded 3,623 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths across 34 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 187 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8 percent since the beginning of the year.”
Dr. Idris noted that though there is slight decline in the number of cases and the fatality rate, he cautioned the peak of the outbreak typically coincides with the height of the rainy season, which is yet to come.
He complained that underreporting from various states due to inadequate resources and political undertones had further complicated the situation, making real-time data collection a challenge.
As part of the strategy in fighting the outbreak, NCDC had implemented a national incident action plan, intensifying efforts at supporting states in active case search, optimizing laboratory capacity, and prepositioning cholera management supplies.
According to him, rapid response teams have been deployed to the top six states contributing to 83 percent of cases, including Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina, and Zamfara.
The NCDC also issued a general advisory for the rainy season, emphasizing the impact of heavy rainfall on the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever.
Preventive measures for the public include boiling and storing water safely, practicing proper hand hygiene, and avoiding open defecation.
In light of the increasing incidence of yellow fever, with three presumptive positive cases reported in Ekiti and Bayelsa and one death, the NCDC stressed the importance of vaccination and mosquito control measures. Dr. Idris also reminded the public of the ongoing risk of COVID-19, urging adherence to safety protocols and vaccination.
In closing, Dr. Idris called on all government agencies, subnational actors, partners, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and citizens to redouble their efforts to prevent and contain these diseases.
“The NCDC, in collaboration with other health partners, continues to work tirelessly to monitor and control the spread of these diseases. We urge the public to adhere to this advisory and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities,” he concluded.
As Nigeria battles these public health threats, the collective efforts of all stakeholders remain crucial in safeguarding the health of the nation.