Cholera Cases Decline, But Outbreak Not Over — NCDC Warns Nigerians
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a significant decline in cholera cases across the country but warned that the outbreak is not yet over.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, gave the warning on Friday during a briefing on the cholera and diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria.
Idris disclosed that more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases had been reported across 35 states and about 195 local government areas since the beginning of the year.
Although the number of cases has declined, he said the fatality rate among reported cases was considerably lower than that recorded during the corresponding period last year.
“This is important progress. But I want to be very clear: the outbreak is not over,” Idris said.
He warned that cholera infections could rise again between late August and October due to the rainy season and the possibility of flooding in several parts of the country.
According to him, flooding can contaminate water sources and damage sanitation infrastructure, creating conditions favourable for the further spread of the disease.
Idris said early treatment had contributed to improved survival rates, particularly in Borno State, which has recorded the highest number of cholera cases this year.
“In Borno State, where the majority of this year’s cases have occurred, outcomes have been better where treatment has been brought closer to affected communities. We are also seeing better outcomes among people who seek care early,” he said.
However, the NCDC boss stressed that treatment alone would not be enough to eliminate cholera, urging sustained investment in preventive measures.
“But the data are telling us something equally important: while treatment saves lives, we cannot treat our way out of cholera,” he said.
He identified unsafe drinking water, open defecation, damaged water systems and poor sanitation and hygiene facilities as major factors contributing to continued cholera transmission.
Idris therefore called on governments at all levels to sustain investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure to prevent recurrent outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases of diphtheria this year, according to the NCDC Director-General.
He said although the number remained high, the proportion of confirmed diphtheria cases resulting in death had dropped significantly compared with the same period last year.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, ensure access to safe drinking water and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms associated with cholera or other infectious diseases occur.