NCDC records 65 confirmed cholera cases, 30 deaths in 2024

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it has confirmed 30 deaths from cholera in 2024.

On Tuesday, the Lagos government said at least five people have been reported dead in the state as a result of a suspected cholera outbreak.

In a statement on Thursday, the NCDC said from January 1 to June 11, 2024, a total of 1,141 suspected cases were recorded out of which 65 were confirmed.

The agency said the cases were reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states.

The statement said the 10 states that contributed 90 percent to the burden of cholera include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos states.

“The NCDC hereby alerts the public of the increasing trend of cholera cases across the country as the raining season intensifies,” the statement reads.

“An outbreak in Lagos State has recently been reported.

“The multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and comprising the Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners, has been providing support to the affected states.

“This support includes risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, provision of response commodities, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions, and dissemination of Cholera awareness jingles in both English and local languages.”

The NCDC said to reduce the risk of cholera, Nigerians should ensure that water is boiled and stored in a clean and covered container before drinking and they should ensure food is well cooked before consumption.

“Practice good personal hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap under clean running water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and clean water are not
available,” the statement reads.

“Only consume raw food such as fruits and vegetables, after washing thoroughly with safe water.

“Avoid open defecation, indiscriminate refuse dumping, ensure proper disposal of waste and frequent clearing of sewage.

“Healthcare workers are advised to always practice standard safety precaution i.e., wearing gloves while handling patients or providing care to an ill patient/relative.

“Intensify surveillance efforts to promptly report suspected cholera cases.

“NCDC continues to advocate to State Governments to prioritize action for solutions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in communities.”