The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued an alert regarding a significant increase in cholera cases across the country. From January 1 to June 11, 2024, Nigeria has reported 1,141 suspected cases, including 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths in 96 local government areas across 30 states. The most affected states, contributing 90% of the cases, are Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.
Cholera, a highly contagious food and water-borne disease, spreads through contaminated food or water and poor sanitation. Symptoms include sudden onset of acute, painless watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration, though 80% of infected individuals may exhibit mild or no symptoms.
The NCDC emphasizes that cholera is easily treatable if detected early. Most cases can be managed with prompt administration of oral rehydration solutions and appropriate antibiotics.
To prevent cholera, the public is advised to:
- Boil and store water in clean, covered containers before drinking.
- Practice good personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and clean running water.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
- Ensure food is well-cooked and avoid raw or undercooked seafood and food from street vendors.
- Avoid open defecation and dispose of waste properly.
The NCDC, in collaboration with various national and international partners, is providing support to the affected states. This includes risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, provision of response commodities, and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions. The public is urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden watery diarrhea and to follow preventive measures to curb the spread of cholera.
Be First to Comment