The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in its recently published public health advisory disclosed that at least 30 people have been confirmed dead across 30 states of the federation, with over 1000 suspected cases recorded in 2024.
According to the NCDC, the following states are the most affected: Abia, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Nasarawa, and Zamfara; while Lagos is the the epic center of this outbreak.
On Saturday 15th June 2024, the Lagos State Ministry of Health confirmed 17 cases of cholera in the state. According to the ministry, “Lagos State Commissioner for Health Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this while speaking on steps taken to control the outbreak in Lagos State. He revealed that 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos State with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities so far.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAS, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts, however, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, signaling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.”
The disease mostly spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing.
Some of the symptoms of the disease are acute, painless, watery diarrhea of sudden onset, with or without vomiting.
NCDC warned Nigerians to be more conscious as severe cases may lead to death within hours due to dehydration.
