The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 2,102 suspected cholera cases and 63 deaths across 33 states and 122 local government areas.
Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General, shared this update in Abuja on Tuesday. To this effect, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has responded by enforcing strict rules in their orientation camps.
Cholera is a dangerous disease that spreads through contaminated food and water. The outbreak has worsened, rising from 1,579 cases and 54 deaths to 2,102 cases and 63 deaths in just one week.
States like Lagos, Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, and Nasarawa are heavily affected. The rainy season has increased the risk by causing floods and contaminating water sources.
The NYSC has started its 21-day orientation for 2024 Batch B Stream ‘I’. To keep the camps safe, Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed, the NYSC Director-General, has instructed camp coordinators to follow strict health guidelines.
Dr. Idris said the fatality rate of the outbreak is 3.0%. Most cases are in southern states like Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Delta, which make up about 90% of the cases.
To combat the outbreak, the National Cholera Multi-sectoral Emergency Operation Centre has been set up. This team of experts meets daily to coordinate efforts, monitor the situation, and manage resources.
“These will help facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making. It will also ensure that we deploy resources efficiently, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity, enhance treatment of affected persons, and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities,” said Dr. Idris.
Before this, the NCDC assessed cholera readiness in 22 high-risk states and shared the findings to help them prepare.
They also provided medical supplies and guidelines to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to aid in managing and preventing cholera.
By enforcing these measures and raising public awareness, authorities hope to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.
