Cholera Outbreak: Death Toll Rises to 30, 1,141 Hospitalized Across Nigeria

A recent cholera outbreak has claimed 30 lives and affected 1,141 individuals across multiple states in Nigeria, prompting the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) to urge citizens to exercise caution and prioritize their health and safety.

According to the NBMA, the outbreak has been reported in ten states, including Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.

The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, emphasized the need for vigilance, especially during the upcoming festive period.

Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water.

To combat the spread of the disease, NBMA, in collaboration with health authorities, is actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to contain the outbreak.

The agency advises citizens to adopt various hygiene practices, including:

– Boiling drinking water or using certified water purification methods
– Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food
– Washing hands with soap and water after using the toilet
– Cooking food thoroughly and consuming it while hot
– Avoiding raw foods, such as fruits and vegetables, unless they can be peeled or washed with safe water
– Keeping the environment clean and disposing of waste properly to prevent contamination

Dr. Asagbra urged Nigerians to be vigilant and adhere to these hygiene practices to protect themselves and their loved ones from cholera. She also encouraged citizens to report any suspected cases of cholera to the nearest hospital immediately.

The NBMA’s warning comes as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 1,141 cholera cases across 30 states.

The Lagos State Government has also urged caution after five deaths and 60 hospitalizations were recorded in the state.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook