The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public alert over a significant rise in cholera cases nationwide.
According to the NCDC’s statement on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, there have been 1,141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths reported from 96 Local Government Areas across 30 states.
Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos account for 90% of the reported cases. The NCDC emphasized the crucial role of the multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group in coordinating response efforts.
This group includes the Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
The NCDC urged the public to boil water before drinking, practice good personal hygiene, and ensure that food is properly cooked. They warned against open defecation and improper waste disposal to prevent further spread of the disease.
“Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by ingesting contaminated water and food,” the NCDC’s statement read. “Symptoms include sudden watery diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration and death if not treated promptly.”
The agency advised that anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention rather than self-medicating. They highlighted the importance of early treatment with oral rehydration solutions and antibiotics to manage the disease effectively.
The NCDC’s alert underscores the need for vigilance and adherence to hygiene practices to control the outbreak and reduce fatalities.
