As of June 30, 2024, Nigeria has recorded 2,102 suspected cholera cases and 63 fatalities across 33 states and 122 local government areas, according to the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Jide Idris.
Jerrymusa.com reports that speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Idris revealed that “the case fatality rate is at 3.0 per cent.” Notably, seven of the top 10 states contributing to 90% of the cases are located in the southern region.
“The top 10 States that contribute about 90 per cent of the cases are Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta,” he said.
Cholera Spreads Across The Country
Cholera, a highly contagious disease spread through contaminated water and food, has been on the rise in various states.
To combat the outbreak, “the National Cholera Multisectoral Emergency Operation Centre activated parades an array of subject matter experts and provides strategic coordination, meets daily and provides periodic situation reports for stakeholders.”
According to Idris, “This also ensures effective mobilisation, harmonisation and distribution of resources to support the affected states.”
The response efforts include coordination, surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and community engagement, as well as Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Vaccination, Logistics, and Research. “These will help facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making.
It will also ensure that we deploy resources efficiently, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity, enhance treatment of affected persons, and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities,” Idris added.