The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has reported a sharp rise in cholera cases across the country in 2024, with suspected cases increasing by a worrying 220% compared to last year.
The NCDC shared this alarming update through its latest epidemiological report.
Cholera, an acute infection of the intestines, is spread through contaminated food and water, particularly affecting communities with poor sanitation. The NCDC highlighted several factors contributing to the outbreak, including conflict, climate change, lack of access to clean water, poverty, and displacement of people due to natural disasters and conflicts.
By the end of epidemiological week 39, Nigeria had recorded 10,837 suspected cholera cases and 359 deaths. This marks a 239% increase in fatalities compared to 2023. The NCDC noted that the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for the year stands at 3.3%, slightly higher than the 3.1% recorded in the previous year.
“In the past week alone, 198 new suspected cases were reported across five states, resulting in 15 deaths and a weekly CFR of 7.6%,” the NCDC report said.
The states most affected during week 39 were:
- Adamawa (131 cases),
- Ebonyi (30 cases),
- Borno (29 cases),
- Kano (7 cases),
- Jigawa (1 case).
Adamawa remains a hotspot, with 535 suspected cases reported over the last month.
Since the beginning of the year, Lagos State has reported the highest number of suspected cholera cases, contributing 43% of the national total. Lagos Island Local Government alone accounts for 5% of the overall cases. The NCDC reported that stool tests were conducted to monitor the situation, and out of 254 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), 175 returned positive results. Additionally, 103 out of 149 stool cultures tested positive for cholera.
States like Jigawa (870 cases), Kano, Borno (588 cases), and Katsina have also been significantly impacted, showing how widespread the outbreak has become.
According to the NCDC, children under five are the most affected, followed by those aged between five and 14. In terms of gender, males account for 52% of suspected cases, while females make up 48%.
The NCDC has activated a national Cholera Technical Working Group to monitor and respond to the outbreaks across different states. The agency stressed the importance of improving sanitation, access to clean water, and public health education to stop the spread of the disease.
“There is an urgent need to strengthen health systems and increase surveillance in high-risk areas,” the agency said, urging the public to report any suspected cholera cases and practice proper hygiene, including hand washing and safe food handling.
A significant challenge in curbing the spread of cholera is the widespread practice of open defecation in affected communities, as well as limited access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. The NCDC also mentioned that water shortages in rural areas and urban slums lead to residents relying on water sold in jerry cans, which increases the risk of contamination.
“There is inadequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure and supplies, including wastewater management facilities,” the NCDC reported.
The agency also highlighted challenges such as a shortage of skilled health workers and lack of resources for case management, along with poor communication materials to raise awareness in affected communities.
With the number of cholera cases exceeding last year’s figures, there are growing concerns that the outbreak could worsen if immediate action is not taken. Public health experts are calling for stronger intervention strategies and continuous community engagement to fight the deadly disease.
For updates on the cholera situation, the public is encouraged to visit the NCDC website or contact the toll-free helpline.
Globally, cholera outbreaks are spreading more rapidly and becoming deadlier, according to the World Health Organization.
Last year, cholera deaths increased by 71% worldwide, with climate change and conflict being major drivers of the rise. Despite being preventable and treatable, large outbreaks have overwhelmed even well-prepared health systems in various regions.
