The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a big increase in cholera cases in 2024, with suspected cases rising by 220%.
According to their latest report, by the end of week 39 on Sunday, October 6, there have been 10,837 suspected cases and 359 deaths across the country.
This is a shocking 239% increase in deaths compared to last year, and the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is 3.3%, which is slightly higher than the 3.1% from 2023.
“In the past week alone, we reported 198 new suspected cases in five states, leading to 15 deaths, and a weekly CFR of 7.6%,” said an NCDC representative. The states most affected include Adamawa (131 cases), Ebonyi (30 cases), Borno (29 cases), Kano (7 cases), and Jigawa (1 case). Adamawa is still a hotspot, with 535 suspected cases reported in the last month.
Lagos State has the highest number of suspected cholera cases this year, making up 43% of the total. The Lagos Island Local Government Area (LGA) alone accounts for 5% of the nationwide cases. The NCDC has been testing samples and found many positive results.
The report shows that children under five are especially affected, and the gender distribution shows 52% male and 48% female.
How NCDC is fighting the outbreak
To help control the outbreak, the NCDC has set up a national team to monitor and respond to cases. They emphasize the need for better sanitation, access to clean water, and public health education.
The agency encourages everyone to report suspected cases and practice preventive measures, such as proper handwashing and safe food handling. Unfortunately, open defecation is still common in some communities, which worsens the spread of cholera.
The NCDC also mentioned problems like lack of clean drinking water and sanitation supplies. Many people rely on vendors selling water in jerry cans, and there aren’t enough facilities for managing wastewater.
Challenges for the NCDC
The NCDC is facing several challenges in fighting the cholera outbreak, including not having enough educational materials in communities and not enough supplies for effective treatment.
With the number of cases already much higher than last year, health experts are urging quick action and better strategies to combat the disease. It’s important for everyone to stay involved in this fight.
What’s happening globally
Globally, cholera outbreaks are also increasing in places like the Middle East, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization has reported a 71% rise in cholera-related deaths compared to 2022, largely due to conflicts and climate change.
Cholera spreads through contaminated food and water, and it mostly affects communities with limited access to sanitation. Tackling the root causes of poverty and poor infrastructure is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
