Cholera: NCDC Reports 1,861 Suspected Cases

According to the data obtained from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), over 54 persons have reportedly succumbed to the Cholera disease.

Cholera, is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholera, occurs majorly during the wet season.

The 16 states, that had reported suspected cholera cases in 2022 are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ondo, Rivers, Taraba and Zamfara.

The centre said, “There was a 180% increase in the number of new suspected cases in April compared to March.

“A total of 1,861 suspected cases including 54 deaths have been reported from 16 states in 2022. Out of the suspected cases since the beginning of the year, the age group of children less than five years is the most affected.

“Three states, namely Taraba, Cross River and Katsina, account for 72 per cent of all cumulative cases.”

An epidemiologist, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi, said cholera outbreak is rampant during the rainy season because of peoples’ poor hygiene habits.

“The issue of cholera is about personal and environmental hygiene. Now that the rainy season is here, people should make sure the drains are clear and avoid throwing waste into the gutters.

“People should also ensure that wells are secured, and edge of the wells should be raise so that running waters does not go into them. People should also avoid locating the wells close to toilets.”