Cholera outbreak has claimed 103 lives from 3,623 suspected cases across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported on Tuesday, July 16.
As of July 15, 2024, the affected cases and deaths have been recorded in 187 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina, and Zamfara states have borne the brunt, contributing 83% to the overall disease burden.
Despite the severity, NCDC officials noted a recent decline in both cases and fatalities compared to earlier months in 2024 when the outbreak began.
NCDC Director General Jide Idris also expressed concerns about a yellow fever outbreak in Ekiti and Bayelsa states, with three cases and one death reported.
During a press briefing, DG Idris highlighted a 5.6% reduction in cholera cases during the week of July 8-14, alongside a decrease in the case fatality rate from 2.9% to 2.8%. He attributed these improvements to collaborative efforts among stakeholders and favorable weather conditions in certain regions.
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However, DG Idris cautioned about ongoing challenges, including underreporting of cases due to resource limitations and political factors affecting data collection.
NCDC assured the public of continued efforts to combat the outbreaks, deploying rapid response teams and strengthening surveillance systems. The agency is also focused on enhancing case management and community engagement.
Regarding yellow fever, DG Idris underscored the importance of vaccination and preventive measures, stressing the disease’s potential severity without prompt treatment.
While Nigeria currently reports no active COVID-19 cases, NCDC remains vigilant, monitoring global trends and advising adherence to basic health safety measures.
As NCDC adapts its response to evolving challenges, the agency pledges to escalate support as necessary to safeguard public health nationwide.