Cholera: NCDC places Nigeria at high risk as death toll hits 53

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has placed the country at high risk of cholera transmission and impact, declaring the disease a public health emergency.

The NCDC also disclosed that as of Monday, June 24, 2024, 53 deaths have been recorded out of 1,528 suspected cases across 31 states and 107 Local Government Areas in the country.

The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, made this known at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Idris, who noted that Nigeria has a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year, said the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated to coordinate responses and support affected states.

He said: “Unfortunately, we are facing another public health emergency in our nation as we are just coming out of Lassa fever and Meningitis outbreaks.

“As of June 24, 2024, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been recorded across 31 states and 107 LGAs with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.

“These fatalities are not just statistics but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often a seasoned healthcare worker and team member.

“In response to the rapidly increasing cholera cases, a dynamic risk assessment was conducted by subject matter experts on cholera outbreak situation in Nigeria last week. The subject matter experts were drawn from relevant ministries (health, environment, agriculture, and water resources, among others), departments, agencies, stakeholders, and major partners.

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“The outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at High Risk of increased risk of cholera transmission and impact. This demands our immediate and coordinated actions and therefore necessitated the activation of the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Nigeria today.

“The decision to activate the Cholera EOC underscores the gravity of the situation and our unwavering commitment to protect the health and well-being of every Nigerian.”

The NCDC boss further noted that the EOC would also “facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, mobilise resources, expertise, and support from across the NCDC, our partners, and stakeholders at all levels of government.

“It will ensure efficient deployment of needed resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity and capabilities, enhance case management, training and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities.”

The NCDC has however highlighted that cholera was easily treatable if detected early, through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution, to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, and appropriate antibiotics.

The agency has also insisted that cholera could be prevented by ensuring access to safe, potable drinking water, proper sanitation, and waste disposal.

To reduce the risk of cholera, the NCDC advised the public to ensure that water is boiled and stored in a clean and covered container before drinking, and to practice good personal hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap under clean running water, using alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and clean water are not available.

The agency also advised ensuring that food is well cooked before consumption, protecting food and water against contamination by flies and unsanitary handling.

It also enjoined healthcare workers to practice standard safety precautions and intensify surveillance efforts to report suspected cholera cases.

The Star