The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has revealed alarming figures on the current cholera outbreak, with 14,237 reported cases and 378 deaths across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This was revealed by the Director General of the agency, Jide Idris, on Thursday while updating the press on the infectious disease outbreaks in Abuja.
He noted that the deaths represent a fatality rate of 2.7 percent.
The Director-General said: “Sadly, 378 lives have been lost, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of approximately 2.7 per cent. The burden of this outbreak disproportionately affects the most vulnerable: children under five years of age.
“Floods in northern states such as Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe and Kano have exacerbated the spread of cholera, making these states the current epicenters of the outbreak.”
Other infectious diseases
Apart from the cholera outbreak, the DG noted that the NCDC is monitoring other infectious diseases including Mpox, Lassa fever and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM).
“We are also intensifying our preparation for the upcoming Lassa fever and CSM seasons, which remain significant public health threats in Nigeria,” Idris said.
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Speaking on CSM, he noted that NCDC is preparing for the upcoming season, which typically peaks between January and April.
“Our attention now focuses on CSM, a seasonal threat that peaks between January and April. While projections for the upcoming CSM season suggest a moderate number of cases, the NCDC is not at risk,” he said.
Despite forecasts indicating a moderate number of cases, he said the NCDC is taking proactive measures to ensure preparedness.
To this end, he noted that more than 400 health care workers in nine states have received training in case management and cerebrospinal fluid collection, skills crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of CSM.
He also said that the agency has recorded 102 confirmed cases of Mpox, 1,018 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 172 deaths.
Outbreak response
According to Idris, the NCDC has expanded response activities to combat the spread of infectious diseases across the country.
In response to the cholera outbreak, he revealed that the agency has deployed rapid response teams to affected states, providing critical supplies such as medicines, water purification tablets and diagnostic tools.
He added that they have also supported reactive cholera vaccination in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and conducted high-level advocacy visits to engage with state health leaders and supporting communities.
Speaking on the Mpox outbreak, he revealed that the NCDC has enhanced surveillance and case detection across the country, optimized laboratory diagnostic capacity and trained public health workers in 11 states.
According to him, the agency has used Mpox vaccines giving priority to high-risk groups.
He said the NCDC has facilitated the deployment of 10,000 doses of the Mpox Jynneos vaccine, prioritizing high-risk groups such as contacts of confirmed cases, listing Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom, based on case load of Mpox reported since 2017.” he said.
Furthermore, he noted that in preparation for the upcoming Lassa fever season, his organization strengthened preparedness measures, provided training to health workers in case management and cerebrospinal fluid collection, purchased and installed 12 dialysis at treatment centers and stockpiled essential medical supplies. in high-risk states.
Regarding the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, he said the NCDC activated health declaration forms for incoming passengers from affected regions, identified isolation centers and began stocking necessary medical supplies. The agency is collaborating with stakeholders for coordinated response efforts.
Call to action
Idris has advised the public to take precautions against infectious diseases, noting that to prevent the spread of these diseases, the agency recommends practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water.
Additionally, it said people should avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as a rash, severe diarrhea or vomiting occur.
He urged the population to keep their environments clean to prevent Lassa fever, avoid the consumption of undercooked meat and report suspected cases to the nearest health center.
Additionally, to prevent Marburg virus, he said people should avoid contact with wild animals, especially fruit bats.
By adhering to these guidelines and taking proactive measures, the NCDC said Nigerians can protect their health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.