The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that a total of 2,860 suspected cases of cholera and 84 deaths have been recorded in Nigeria from January to August 27, 2023. This data was revealed in the NCDC’s situation report for weeks 31 to 34.
Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It can spread when people consume food or water contaminated with the bacteria.
While some people infected with cholera may experience mild or no symptoms, others can face severe and life-threatening consequences.
Cholera is not new to Nigeria; it’s an endemic and seasonal disease, mainly appearing during the rainy season and often in areas with inadequate sanitation.
The situation report highlighted that the most affected groups were children under five years old, closely followed by those aged five to 14, with both males and females affected almost equally.
Of all the suspected cases, 51 percent were males, and 49 percent were females.
The outbreak has affected 25 states and 124 Local Government Areas, with a case-fatality ratio of 2.9 percent. States like Zamfara, Cross River, Katsina, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Niger, Abia, Jigawa, Kano, Ondo, Borno, Kaduna, Bauchi, Sokoto, Plateau, and Gombe have reported cases of cholera. Other affected states include Oyo, Adamawa, Kebbi, Benue, Rivers, Ekiti, Imo, Osun, and Anambra.
Zamfara and Cross River recorded the highest numbers, with Zamfara accounting for 28 percent of all suspected cases, and Cross River’s Obubra Local Government Area contributing 18 percent.
The report also delivered some hopeful news. Comparing the current year to 2022, suspected cholera cases have decreased by 63 percent, and cumulative deaths have dropped by 67 percent in 2023.
