Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, have revealed that Nigeria recorded a total of 1,336 cholera cases with 79 deaths in the last three months.
The NCDC latest epidemiological report revealed that the infection and deaths were reported in 12 states and 43 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The 1,336 cases were reported between January and April 2nd, 2023.
The states reporting cases in the country are Abia, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
Cholera is a bacterial disease causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration, usually spread in water. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.
In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually mostly during the rainy season and more often in areas with poor sanitation.
The report states: ”As of 2nd April 2023, a total of 1,336 suspected cases including 79 deaths (CFR 5.9 per cent) have been reported from 12 states. Of the suspected cases since the beginning of the year, age groups 15-24 and >45 years are the most affected age groups for males and females respectively.
The NCDC said it would continue training on cholera surveillance, hotspot mapping, state-level preparedness and response plans.
