Health

Cholera Cases in Nigeria Increase by 128%, Lagos State Worst Affected

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 12th, 2024.

Cholera Cases in Nigeria Increase by 128%, Lagos State Worst Affected

By Abujah Racheal

Cholera image

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a staggering 128% increase in cholera cases nationwide, with Lagos State identified as the epicenter of the outbreak.

According to the NCDC, Lagos accounts for 60% of the total cases, with Lagos Island being the most severely impacted Local Government Area (LGA). As of the latest update for epidemiological week 35, the death toll has risen by 106%, totaling 204 fatalities in 2024.

The number of suspected cases has reached 7,056 as of September 1, a significant rise from 3,096 cases reported at the same time last year.

In response to the rising cholera cases and a case fatality rate of 3.5%, which far exceeds the national benchmark of 1%, Nigeria declared a state of emergency in June 2024.

Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, poses a major public health risk in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. The NCDC stresses the need to understand the disease’s transmission and implement effective prevention measures.

In addition to Lagos, states like Bayelsa, Katsina, and Zamfara are also heavily affected. Although the fatality rate has slightly improved to 2.9% from 3.2% in 2023, the situation remains critical.

The NCDC is focusing on rapid diagnostic testing and stool culture examinations to control the outbreak. The agency highlighted that children under five are particularly vulnerable and called for increased public awareness and intervention to prevent further spread.

Public health experts have pinpointed several factors contributing to the surge in cholera cases.