By Iyemah David
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has revealed that Nigeria has witnessed a significant 128 per cent rise in cholera cases, reporting 7,056 suspected cases as of September 1, 2024, compared to 3,096 cases at the same point in 2023.
The NCDC via its official website said that for the epidemiological week 35, the death toll has also increased by 106 per cent with 204 fatalities in 2024.
Science Nigeria reports that as of June 24, Nigeria announced a state of emergency on cholera because of a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent, well above the national expected average of one per cent, the situation was dire.
Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium (Vibrio cholerae). The disease remains a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water access.
Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is crucial in curbing its spread and implementing effective prevention measures.
The public health agency said that Lagos State accounts for 60 per cent of all cases, with Lagos Island being the most affected LGA.
It said that other heavily affected states include Bayelsa, Katsina, and Zamfara.
“Cholera fatality rates slightly improved, dropping to 2.9 per cent from 3.2 per cent in 2023.,” it said.
The NCDC said that the agency is intensifying rapid diagnostic testing and stool culture tests to contain the outbreak.
“Vulnerable groups, particularly children under five, remain the most affected,” it said.
The agency said there were ongoing monitoring efforts and called for increased public awareness and intervention to curb the outbreak.
Despite progress, it said that challenges persist, necessitating sustained efforts in healthcare infrastructure, public health education, and community engagement to curb the spread of cholera.
Meanwhile, public health experts have pointed to several factors contributing to the surge in cases. Dr. John Okoro, an epidemiologist highlighted the impact of inadequate sanitation in densely populated urban areas.
“The lack of proper waste management systems and access to clean water in areas like Lagos Island have made it a breeding ground for waterborne diseases.
“Poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions are accelerating the spread of infections,” Okoro explained.
He underscored the urgent need for government intervention, stating that “improving access to safe drinking water and investing in sanitation infrastructure should be a top priority.
“Without these changes, communities in urban slums will continue to suffer from preventable outbreaks,” he said.
Environmental health specialist Mr. Peter Adamu also commented on the importance of addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps.
“Slum areas, particularly in Lagos, have been neglected for years.
“This neglect not only puts residents at risk but increases the overall public health burden on the country.
“It’s time we prioritize these vulnerable communities if we are serious about preventing future health crises,” Adamu stressed.
The experts unanimously called for a comprehensive approach to urban health planning, underscoring the need for multi-sectoral collaboration between health, environmental, and urban planning authorities.
