The number of cholera cases in Nigeria has surged to 14,237, with 378 deaths recorded since January 2024, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC).
This marks a nearly 300% increase, when compared to the over 3,500 cases reported during the same period last year.
The NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, during a press conference yesterday in Abuja, said the outbreak has affected 35 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), spanning 339 local government areas, saying the current case fatality ratio (CFR) stands at approximately 2.7%.
The number of suspected cholera cases and deaths in 2024 has more than doubled compared to this time last year. These numbers reflect the severity of the outbreak and reinforce the need for continuous vigilance and action, he stated.
Idris expressed concern that the burden of the outbreak disproportionately affects the most vulnerable children under the age of five. According to him, this year has seen two significant waves of cholera, with the most recent surge reported during the week of 29th September, attributed to heavy rains and subsequent flooding.
He further explained that floods in northern States, such as Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano have exacerbated the spread of cholera, making these states the current epicentres of the outbreak.
In response, the DG said the NCDC has deployed rapid response teams, including experts from One Health line ministries, to the affected northern States.
He urged Nigerians to practise good personal, food, and environmental hygiene, with an emphasis on regular hand-washing with soap and water under running water. He also advised people to seek medical care immediately if cholera symptomssuch as severe diarrhoea and vomitingoccur.
