The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a total of 14,237 cholera cases across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, affecting 339 local government areas as of October 13, 2024.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of the NCDC, revealed that the outbreak has resulted in 378 fatalities to date.

He emphasized that cholera continues to pose a significant public health challenge, especially in regions lacking proper water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.

Nevertheless, he assured that the centre is collaborating with various stakeholders to curb the spread of the disease and protect lives.

“As of October 13, 2024, a total of 14,237 cases of cholera have been reported across 35 states and the FCT, spanning 339 local government areas. Sadly, 378 lives have been lost, resulting in a case-fatality ratio of about 2.7 per cent. The burden of this outbreak disproportionately affects the most vulnerable – children under the age of five.

“This year has seen two significant waves of cholera, with the most recent surge, reported during the week of September 29 (Epi Week 39), attributed to the heavy rains and subsequent flooding. This is a pattern we anticipated, having foreseen the risks through data and advisories provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

“The floods in the northern states such as Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano have exacerbated the spread of cholera, making these states the current epicenters of the outbreak. Earlier in the year, the cholera cases were concentrated in southern states as the rains began there, but we have seen a shift, with northern states now accounting for a significant portion of cases.

“The number of suspected cholera cases and deaths in 2024 has more than doubled when compared to this time last year. These numbers reflect the severity of the outbreak and reinforce the need for continuous vigilance and action. It also underscores the developmental issues that should be addressed both at the national and sub-national levels with improved commitment towards addressing challenges relating to inadequate access to clean water, open defecation, poor environmental sanitation, food, and personal hygiene.”

The agency has dispatched rapid response teams, which include specialists from a health ministry, to the northern states that have been affected.

Additionally, he mentioned that high-level advocacy visits have taken place, including one to Borno State, aimed at collaborating with the state's health leadership, motivating response teams, and providing assistance to communities impacted by flooding.

“Our efforts have been bolstered by collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. Together, we have successfully supported our sister agency, the NPCHDA, to carry out reactive cholera vaccinations in internally displaced persons camps, a move that has proven crucial in the reduction in cases being reported.

“We urge all Nigerians to practice good personal, food, and environmental hygiene, with emphasis on regular hand washing with soap and water under running water; and seek medical care immediately if cholera symptoms—such as severe diarrhea and vomiting—occur.

“Looking ahead, our priorities remain clear – we will continue to enhance surveillance, improve prompt treatment of affected persons, and strengthen Water Sanitation and Hygiene practices in affected communities. Cholera is a preventable disease, and with collective effort, we can control and eventually eliminate this threat,” he stated.