The Enugu State Ministry of Health has reported 10 confirmed deaths due to cholera, prompting a call to action for healthcare providers to remain vigilant and prepared for potential additional cases.
The Ministry issued an internal memo signed by the Director of Medical Services, Mr.Samuel Egwuonwu on behalf of the Commissioner for Health on Monday, October 21, 2024.
The memo, which was made available to the press on Monday, provides a comprehensive outline of the steps being implemented to mitigate the situation in the state.
As written in the memo, “please be advised that an outbreak of cholera has been reported in Enugu State, with multiple confirmed cases and approximately 10 reported fatalities.”
The document instructs healthcare providers to maintain heightened vigilance for patients exhibiting severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of enhancing Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols within their facilities and promptly reporting suspected cases without any delay.”
The Ministry in the memo stated that it has implemented containment measures, aligned with the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines, to curb the spread of the disease.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, stated, “the Enugu State Ministry of Health is collaborating with its partners to curb the spread of cholera within the state.”
“We are following NCDC protocols to ensure the situation is quickly brought under control.”
The health ministry emphasized the significance of preventive measures, including diligent hand-washing, utilization of clean water, and adherence to safe food handling practices, to mitigate the spread of cholera.
Cholera
Cholera is a highly infectious disease that can cause severe and life-threatening diarrhea.
It is a highly infectious bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae.
Nigeria has been experiencing outbreaks of the disease for a while now.
The country has reported multiple cholera outbreaks, with significant cases coming from various states.
As of epidemiological week 17, 2024, 25 states have reported a total of 815 suspected cases, including 14 deaths, resulting in a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 1.7%.
Causes and transmission
Cholera is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
Also, it can be caused by poor sanitation practices, such as inadequate disposal of feces and lack of handwashing.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cholera range from mild to severe. Its mild cases include often asymptomatic or mild diarrhea.
Also, we have the severe cases characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, shock.
Treatments
Cholera can be treated with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration and intravenous fluids for severe dehydration.
Also antibiotics can be taken to shorten the duration and severity of the illness.
Besides, zinc supplements can be given especially to children to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea.
Moreso, Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs) are available and recommended for populations in high-risk areas.
Prevention
The infectious disease can be prevented through drinking safe water by ensuring that your water is boiled, chlorinated, or bottled.
Also, proper sanitation should be held in high esteem by using latrines and ensuring safe disposal of feces.
Always wash your hands with soap and clean water regularly.
Outbreak in Nigeria
Nigeria has seen a 62% decrease in suspected cholera cases compared to the same period in 2023, and deaths have decreased by 76% over the same period.
The recent data indicate an increase in cases during peak seasons, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and preventive measures.
High-risk areas
Urban slums and densely populated areas with poor sanitation are particularly vulnerable to cholera outbreaks.
Epidemiology
Cholera is endemic in many developing countries. Its outbreaks often occur after natural disasters or conflicts.
It affects approximately 1.3 million people annually and causes 21,000-143,000 deaths annually as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO).