Cholera Outbreak: NCDC reports 176 deaths, 5,951 infected

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has reported a total of 176 deaths from 5,951 confirmed cases of cholera across the country as of August 11, 2024. 

According to Vanguard’s report, these figures, recorded across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, reflect a serious ongoing health crisis.

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, provided this update during a press conference held in Abuja, aimed at informing the public on the current status of the cholera outbreak. He emphasized that the cases have been recorded in 152 local government areas, LGAs, with a case fatality rate of 3.0%.

“Cumulatively, as of 11th August 2024, a total of 5,951 suspected cases and 176 deaths have been recorded across 36 States + FCT and 152 LGAs with a case fatality rate of 3.0%.** This data reflects a continued increase in the number of cases being recorded across the country. The most affected age group so far is children under five years old,” Dr. Idris stated.

He added that the pattern of the outbreak suggests that the trend of suspected cholera cases might continue to fluctuate and could persist until Epidemic Week 37, based on observations from cholera outbreaks in Nigeria between 2020 and 2024.

Dr. Idris also warned that current rainfall patterns could lead to an increase in the number of cases. 

He identified the high rates of open defecation, which result in the contamination of water sources, as a significant contributing factor to the outbreak.

“In response to the outbreak, we are enhancing both prevention strategies and case management measures. The National Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG), hosted at the NCDC, is coordinating a robust response to mitigate the spread of the disease,” he said.

This collaborative effort includes key partners such as the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and various development partners.

Dr. Idris disclosed that National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to six states—Abia, Katsina, Lagos, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Zamfara—to conduct active case searches in high-risk LGAs. These teams are focused on identifying suspected cases and ensuring that affected individuals are linked to appropriate treatment centers.

“This proactive approach is essential to promptly identifying cases and ensuring that they receive the necessary medical attention, which is crucial for effectively containing the outbreak,” he concluded.

The NCDC urges all Nigerians to remain vigilant, maintain proper hygiene, and report any suspected cases of cholera to the nearest health facility immediately.