Nigeria has shown a promising decline in its cholera fatality rate, dropping to 2.9 percent amid ongoing efforts to combat the deadly disease.
The latest data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) website indicated that as of week 27, the country reported a total of 2,809 suspected cases across 33 states, resulting in 82 deaths.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country declared a state of emergency over cholera on June 24 due to a fatality rate of 3.5 percent, well above the expected national average of one percent.
Cholera is a serious diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium *Vibrio cholerae*. The disease remains a major health problem, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and access to clean water.
Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is essential to stop its spread and implement effective prevention measures.
The agency said this marked a notable improvement compared to previous years, reflecting a five percent reduction in cumulative deaths and a seven percent decrease in suspected cases compared to the same period in 2023.
“Epidemiological data highlights Lagos State as the most affected, with 1,560 cases representing 56 percent of all reported cases nationwide.
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“It is noteworthy that Lagos Island Local Government Area alone reported 295 cases, highlighting the localized challenges within urban centres.
“Lagos Island Government Area (295 cases) in Lagos State accounts for 11 percent of all suspected cases reported in the country,” he said.
He listed the number of cases recorded in other states: Bayelsa (476 cases), Ebonyi (110), Abia (109), Katsina (88 cases), Zamfara (64 cases), Delta (64 cases), Bauchi (54 cases), Cross River (43 cases), Rivers (37 cases), Imo (28) and Ogun (21).
Others include Nasarawa (19 cases), Kano (18), Ondo (17 cases), Oyo (15), Niger (15), Osun (11 cases) and Akwa Ibom (10).
The Public Health Agency continues to emphasize multi-sectoral efforts through the National Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG), which monitors and coordinates responses across all affected states.
“Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and stool culture tests have been instrumental in diagnosing and managing cases, with 12 RDTs yielding four positive results and 15 stool culture tests confirming two positive cases during week 27,” it said.
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Demographically, he noted that children under five remain the most vulnerable group, followed by people aged 25 to 34.
The NCDC said the distribution of cases shows a slight male predominance, with 53 percent of cases compared to 47 percent of women.
Despite progress, he noted that challenges remain, requiring sustained efforts in health care infrastructure, public health education and community engagement to curb the spread of cholera.
NAN recalls that the recent decline in the cholera mortality rate is a testament to the effectiveness of the interventions implemented so far, but vigilance and collaborative action remain critical to achieving lasting reductions in cholera morbidity and mortality across Nigeria.
(YAYA)