The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Monday disclosed that 53 deaths and 1,528 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded across 31 states and 107 local government areas with a case fatality rate of 3.5% since the beginning of 2024.
Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC Director General, disclosed this during a briefing regarding the cholera epidemiological situation and ongoing prevention and response efforts.
Dr. Idris expressed concern that the situation may worsen as the rainy season intensifies.
In response, the NCDC has activated a National Cholera Emergency Operation Centre to manage the outbreak more effectively.
Cholera, a highly contagious food and waterborne disease is caused by the ingestion of the vibrio cholerae organism in contaminated water and food.
“As of June 24, 2024, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been recorded across 31 states and 107 local government areas,” Dr. Idris stated.
“These fatalities are not just statistics but represent significant losses to families and communities, including healthcare workers.”
He further noted the country’s challenges, as it is still recovering from recent Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks.
To address the cholera outbreak, a dynamic risk assessment was conducted last week by experts from various ministries, departments, agencies, stakeholders, and partners.
“The outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at ‘high risk’ of increased cholera transmission and impact. This necessitated the activation of the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC),” Dr. Idris explained. “The EOC will coordinate response efforts across the country, support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, and mobilise resources and expertise.”
The EOC will also enhance surveillance and diagnostic capabilities, improve case management and training, and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities.
An incident manager has been appointed to oversee daily activities involving surveillance, case management, oral cholera vaccine issues, coordination, infection prevention and control, logistics support, and research.
Prior to the EOC activation, the NCDC, through the National Cholera Technical Working Group, had already distributed medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control, and laboratory diagnosis to all 36 states and the FCT.
Dr. Idris sympathised with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to the outbreak and acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare workers, and community leaders, in responding to the crisis.
He called on all stakeholders, government agencies, subnational actors, partners, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and citizens to intensify efforts to contain the spread of cholera and prevent further loss of lives.
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