See what NCDC says about Self-Medication for Cholera
By Angela Onwuzoo
Amid ongoing efforts by federal and state governments to control the cholera outbreak, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a warning against self-medication.
The NCDC highlighted that severe cholera cases can result in death within hours due to dehydration from significant fluid loss.
The agency urged individuals with diarrhoea to seek prompt medical treatment rather than resorting to self-medication.
It also called on state governments to focus on providing access to safe water, sanitation, and proper hygiene in communities.
These recommendations were part of an advisory directed to the public, healthcare workers, and state authorities on how to curb the spread of cholera.
Cholera is a highly contagious disease transmitted through contaminated food and water. It spreads both directly through ingestion of contaminated substances and indirectly due to poor sanitation and inadequate hand hygiene.
Symptoms include sudden onset of acute, painless watery diarrhea, potentially accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and fever.
Between January 1 and June 11, the NCDC reported 1,141 suspected cholera cases, with 65 confirmed and 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states.
On Saturday, the Lagos State Ministry of Health confirmed 350 suspected cholera cases in 29 wards across several LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
The NCDC identified that ten states—Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos—account for 90% of the cholera cases in Nigeria.
Cholera, caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, is typically contracted through consumption of contaminated water and food. At-risk populations include those with limited access to clean water, poor sanitation, and hygiene practices, as well as consumers of potentially contaminated food or improperly prepared produce. Healthcare workers providing patient care without standard precautions are also at risk.
However, the NCDC noted that approximately 80% of those infected may exhibit mild symptoms or none at all.
The agency recommended avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, street food, and undercooked seafood. Cooked food and boiled water should be protected from contamination, and leftovers should be reheated thoroughly before consumption.
Individuals experiencing diarrhoea should not prepare or serve food or handle water for others to prevent spreading the infection.
“Refrain from open defecation and improper waste disposal. Proper sewage management and waste disposal are crucial.
“Anyone with sudden watery diarrhoea should seek immediate medical care and avoid self-medication.
“Severe cholera can be fatal within hours due to massive fluid loss and dehydration,” the NCDC stated.
The NCDC also advised adherence to standard safety precautions, such as wearing gloves when caring for ill individuals.
The agency emphasized the importance of promptly reporting suspected cholera cases to ensure timely intervention.
