Cholera Spreads: See the Numbers of Local Govt and Persons Cholera has infected
Cholera spreads to 107 LGs, 1,528 persons infected
Cholera outbreak has escalated across Nigeria, affecting 107 local government areas and resulting in 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths in 31 states, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC Director General, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting the widespread nature of the disease.
In Lagos State, where the outbreak has claimed 29 lives out of 579 reported cases, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced that the state currently sees no need for cholera vaccination due to a decline in new cases. He attributed the fatalities to late presentation at health facilities or cases arriving deceased.
The outbreak, also affecting states like Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, and Nasarawa, has been primarily linked to contaminated water sources exacerbated by the rainy season, which heightens cholera transmission through flooding.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Federal Government activated the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate a robust response. This centre will facilitate enhanced surveillance, case management, public awareness campaigns, and resource mobilization across affected states.
Dr. Idris emphasized the urgent need for improved water sanitation, hygiene practices, and effective community engagement to stem the outbreak’s tide. He also noted the challenges posed by weak diagnostic capabilities in many states, underscoring the ongoing efforts to strengthen local healthcare systems and personnel training.
Regarding vaccination, Dr. Idris clarified that Nigeria has requested cholera vaccines from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, but availability remains limited globally. He highlighted ongoing discussions at the federal level on potential inclusion of cholera vaccines in routine vaccination programs, contingent upon further evaluation of its efficacy and the prevailing epidemiological situation.
In Lagos schools, the Ministry of Education has implemented rigorous preventive measures, ensuring access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education to protect students from cholera. School authorities have been trained on disease management protocols, including the use of Oral Rehydration Solution, with no reported cases in educational institutions so far.
The government continues to urge citizens to maintain strict hygiene practices, promptly report symptoms, and utilize free treatment available at government healthcare facilities to mitigate the impact of the c
holera outbreak.
