NIGERIA has reported more than 2,100 suspected cases of a Cholera outbreak across 33 states in the country, according to health authorities.
This figure represents a significant rise from the 1,579 cases documented just a week ago, underscoring the rapid transmission of the disease.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed this information, noting a case fatality rate of 3%.
In a briefing with newsmen yesterday over the response measures to the outbreak, NCDC Director, General Jide Idris stated that the case fatality rate was 3.0 per cent and that these cases were documented as of June 30, 2024.
“As of June 30, 2024, we have reported a total of 2,102 suspected cases and 63 deaths across 33 states and 122 LGAs, with a case fatality rate of 3.0%,” he announced.
“This also ensures effective mobilisation, harmonisation and distribution of resources to support the affected states.
“This is done through the relevant thematic areas of response that cover coordination, surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement, water sanitation and hygiene, vaccination, logistics, and research with an incident action plan for the response developed and being implemented”.
Idris highlighted that Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta accounted for approximately 90% of the reported cases.
He linked the outbreak to the consumption of contaminated water and food, emphasizing the disease’s high level of contagiousness.
The Director General pointed out insufficient toilet facilities, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to safe water as factors obstructing efforts to eradicate cholera in the country.
He also noted that the National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has recently been activated to provide strategic coordination.
