The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in the country, resulting in 30 deaths and 1,141 suspected cases across 30 states.
The agency warned that the increasing cases may be linked to the ongoing rainy season.
The NCDC has identified the 10 states most affected by the outbreak as Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.
A multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group has been established to provide support to the affected states.
Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium in contaminated water and food.
The NCDC advised the public to boil and store water in clean containers before drinking, practice good hand hygiene, ensure food is well cooked before consumption, and protect food and water against contamination.
The agency also warns against open defecation and indiscriminate refuse dumping, and advises proper disposal of waste and frequent clearing of sewage.
Healthcare workers also advised to practice standard safety precautions and intensify surveillance efforts to report suspected cholera cases.
Cholera can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if left untreated. However, the disease is easily treatable if detected early. The NCDC assures that cholera can be prevented by ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water, proper sanitation, and waste disposal.
The agency has embarked on risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, and provision of response commodities to contain the outbreak.
The NCDC is working with partners, including the Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organisation, and the United Nations Children’s Fund, to provide support to the affected states.
The public is advised to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of cholera. The NCDC assures that it is working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
