The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the increasing spread of cholera, particularly through contaminated water sources. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of NCDC, emphasized the deadly nature of cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which thrives in environments with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Dr. Idris highlighted recent reports indicating a rise in cholera cases across several states, prompting urgent alerts to both state authorities and citizens to take immediate preventive measures.
Cholera outbreaks have been observed not only in areas with inadequate sanitation but also in seemingly clean environments such as affluent neighborhoods, hotels, and restaurants with poor hygiene practices. Dr. Idris attributed the contamination to sewage infiltrating drinking water systems due to inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
To mitigate the risk of infection, Dr. Idris advised states and individuals to ensure proper treatment of water before consumption. Boiling water and using water purification tablets were recommended as effective measures to reduce the risk of cholera transmission.
The NCDC continues to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with state governments, implementing strategies to control the spread of the disease. Public awareness campaigns are underway to educate the population on safe water practices and hygiene, crucial in preventing cholera infections.
Dr. Idris underscored the urgency of proactive measures, especially with the approach of the rainy season, which typically heightens the risk of cholera outbreaks. He stressed the importance of community efforts in maintaining clean water supplies and improving waste management to curb the spread of the disease.
As of June 11, there have been 1,141 suspected cases and 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in 30 deaths across 96 Local Government Areas in 30 States. Dr. Idris noted that states like Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos have reported the highest burden of cholera cases, collectively contributing 90% to the national caseload.
The NCDC, through the multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, is providing support to affected states, including risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, and response provision.
Cholera outbreaks have also affected several countries across Africa, resulting in significant fatalities and cases since late 2021. The global strategy launched in 2017 aims to reduce cholera deaths by 90% by 2030, focusing on improving water, sanitation, hygiene practices, and the use of oral cholera vaccines.
This comprehensive approach seeks to mitigate the impact of cholera outbreaks and ensure public health safety amidst ongoing challenges across the continent.