Cholera outbreak claims 103 lives in Nigeria, cases reach 3,623

A cholera outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in 103 deaths from 3,623 suspected cases, affecting 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the cases and fatalities have been reported in 187 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of July 15.

The states of Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina, and Zamfara have been the most affected, accounting for 83% of the total patients and fatalities.

Despite the alarming numbers, the NCDC has reported a decline in patients and fatalities compared to previous months.

The outbreak has been ongoing since January 2024, with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8%.

The majority of affected individuals are males, making up 52% of cases, while the most affected age group is five years old.

NCDC Director General Jide Idris announced a 5.6% decline in cases in the reporting week (July 8-14) compared to the previous week, with a drop in the case fatality rate from 2.9 to 2.8%.

In addition to cholera, Diaspora Digital Media gathered that yellow fever outbreak has been reported in Ekiti and Bayelsa states, resulting in three cases and one death.

The NCDC continues to monitor the situation and work towards controlling the spread of these diseases.

The cholera outbreak in Nigeria is a public health emergency that requires immediate attention and action.

Improving access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services, combined with public awareness campaigns and community engagement, is crucial in containing the spread of cholera and preventing future outbreaks.

The government must prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens and take decisive action to address this crisis.

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