Netizens raise alarm about cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria: Situation and Response

Outbreak Status:  The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increasing number of cholera cases nationwide, with 30 deaths, 1,141 suspected cases, and 65 confirmed cases as of June 11, 2024.

Affected Areas: The outbreak has affected 30 states, with 96 local government areas (LGAs) reporting cases. The 10 most affected states are Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.

Cause and Prevention: Cholera is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholera. The disease can be prevented by ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water, proper sanitation and waste disposal, and appropriate hygiene practices ¹.

Response: The NCDC, Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners are providing support to affected states. This includes risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, provision of response commodities, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions, and dissemination of cholera awareness jingles.

Public Advisory: The NCDC has urged Nigerians to be aware of the increasing trend of cholera cases, especially with the intensification of the rainy season. The public is advised to take preventive measures, such as boiling and storing water in clean containers, washing hands frequently with soap, and ensuring proper disposal of waste

Cholera