Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria Claims 359 Lives as Cases Exceed 10,000
An outbreak of cholera in Nigeria has resulted in at least 359 deaths across 33 states, including Lagos, from January to September this year.
In an update released on Friday, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a significant increase in suspected cases, now totaling 10,837 for the year, according to Xinhua news agency.
All but three of Nigeria’s 36 states have reported suspected cholera cases this year. Last week alone, there were 198 new suspected cases, leading to 15 additional fatalities, resulting in a case-fatality ratio of 7.6 percent, the NCDC stated.
The NCDC, which leads a multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, has urged state authorities to enhance their preparedness and response plans for cholera outbreaks and improve emergency management capacities.
In September, the NCDC conducted 254 rapid diagnostic tests, with 175 returning positive results, as well as 149 stool culture tests, of which 103 were positive.
The outbreak has been exacerbated by widespread open defecation in affected communities, compounded by limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities. This situation poses significant challenges to efforts to control the cholera spread.
Cholera is a highly infectious disease marked by sudden acute watery diarrhea, which can lead to death due to severe dehydration. The recurring cholera outbreaks in Nigeria are often attributed to inadequate access to potable water, particularly in densely populated areas.
