The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised alarm over the nation’s ongoing cholera outbreak, reporting a staggering 14,237 cases and 378 deaths across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the NCDC, the outbreak has been exacerbated by widespread flooding in northern states, with Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano becoming the epicentres of the crisis.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, revealed the grim statistics, noting that the 378 deaths represent a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 2.7 percent.
The outbreak, he said, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially children under the age of five.
“Sadly, 378 lives have been lost, resulting in a CFR of about 2.7 per cent. The burden of this outbreak disproportionately affects the most vulnerable—children under the age of five.
The floods in the northern states, such as Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano, have exacerbated the spread of cholera, making these states the current epicentres of the outbreak,” Idris stated.
Beyond cholera, the NCDC is also on high alert for other infectious diseases such as Mpox, Lassa fever, and Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), further stretching Nigeria’s public health resources.
In anticipation of the upcoming CSM season, which typically peaks between January and April, Idris revealed that the NCDC is intensifying preparedness efforts.
He assured Nigerians that, despite moderate caseload projections, the agency remains vigilant.
“Our attention now shifts to CSM, a seasonal threat that peaks between January and April. While projections for the upcoming CSM season suggest a moderate number of cases, the NCDC is not taking any chances,” Idris said.
To bolster readiness, the NCDC has trained more than 400 healthcare workers across nine states in critical case management and cerebrospinal fluid collection. These skills are essential for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of CSM.
The NCDC’s response extends beyond cholera and CSM. Idris disclosed that the agency has recorded 102 confirmed cases of Mpox, 1,018 Lassa fever cases, and 172 Lassa fever-related deaths.
The NCDC is scaling up efforts to combat these diseases by deploying rapid response teams, enhancing surveillance, and supporting vaccination programs.
In its fight against cholera, the NCDC has distributed essential medical supplies, including water purification tablets and diagnostic tools, to affected states.
In addition, reactive cholera vaccinations have been administered in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, and high-level advocacy visits have been conducted to engage with state health leaders.
On Mpox, the NCDC has enhanced surveillance, optimised diagnostic capacities, and trained health workers across 11 states.
As part of its vaccination strategy, the agency has deployed 10,000 doses of the Mpox Jynneos vaccine, prioritizing high-risk groups like contacts of confirmed cases. Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom are among the states being prioritized due to their higher Mpox burden since 2017.
With Lassa fever season approaching, the NCDC has intensified preparedness measures, conducting training for healthcare workers and stocking up essential medical supplies in high-risk states.
Twelve dialysis machines have also been installed across treatment centres to support patient care.
As part of Nigeria’s preventive efforts against the Marburg virus, which has emerged in Rwanda, the NCDC has activated health declaration forms for passengers arriving from affected regions.
Isolation centres have been set up, and necessary medical supplies have been stockpiled to mitigate potential outbreaks.
The NCDC has urged Nigerians to take precautions to safeguard their health. Mr. Idris advised citizens to practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water, and to avoid contact with sick or dead animals.
Those experiencing symptoms such as severe diarrhoea or vomiting are advised to seek medical care immediately.
To prevent Lassa fever, the public is encouraged to keep their environments clean and avoid consuming undercooked meat. For Marburg virus prevention, contact with wild animals, particularly fruit bats, should be avoided.
By adhering to these health guidelines, Idris said, Nigerians can help curb the spread of infectious diseases and protect their communities.
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