Nigeria has recorded over 2,100 suspected cases of cholera across 33 states, a significant rise from the 1,579 cases reported just a week ago, health authorities have announced.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed the alarming increase, with the case fatality rate standing at 3%. NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, provided these updates during a briefing on Tuesday, stating that the cases were recorded as of June 30, 2024.
“As at 30th June 2024, we have recorded a total number of 2,102 suspected cases, 63 deaths across 33 states and 122 LGAs with a case fatality rate of 3.0 per cent,” Idris said.
He emphasized the rapid response measures being deployed, including effective mobilization, harmonization, and distribution of resources to support affected states.
These efforts cover various response areas such as coordination, surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement, water sanitation and hygiene, vaccination, logistics, and research.
Idris identified Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta as the states contributing about 90% of the cases.
He attributed the outbreak to the consumption of contaminated water and food, highlighting the highly contagious nature of cholera.
He also pointed out inadequate toilet facilities, poor sanitation, and a lack of safe water as key factors hindering the eradication of cholera in the country.
The recently activated National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) is providing strategic coordination to tackle the outbreak.