Cholera outbreak claims 84 lives, afflicts 2,860 in Nigeria over 8 months

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has officially confirmed the toll of the ongoing cholera outbreak that has swept through the nation. From January through August 27, 2023, a total of 84 fatalities have been attributed to cholera, with a staggering 2,860 individuals suspected to have fallen victim to the disease.

According to the latest situation report spanning weeks 31 to 34, released on Wednesday, cholera has cast its shadow across 25 states, affecting a staggering 124 Local Government Areas. The case-fatality ratio currently stands at 2.9 percent, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Cholera, an acute diarrheal illness resulting from Vibrio cholerae bacteria, is primarily contracted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. While some individuals may exhibit mild or no symptoms, severe and life-threatening cases are not uncommon.

In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic ailment that rears its head during the rainy season, often taking hold in areas marked by inadequate sanitation facilities.

Disturbingly, the cholera situation report underscores that those most vulnerable to the disease this year are individuals under the age of five, closely followed by those aged five to 14, regardless of gender.

Breaking down the statistics, it becomes evident that 51 percent of suspected cases are male, while 49 percent are female.

States grappling with this crisis include Zamfara, Cross River, Katsina, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Niger, Abia, Jigawa, Kano, Ondo, Borno, Kaduna, Bauchi, Sokoto, Plateau, and Gombe. Additionally, Oyo, Adamawa, Kebbi, Benue, Rivers, Ekiti, Imo, Osun, and Anambra have reported cases.

The report singles out Zamfara and Cross River for bearing the brunt of the outbreak, with Zamfara accounting for 28 percent of all suspected cases, and Cross River’s Obubra LGA contributing 18 percent.

It goes on to state, “Of the affected States, Cross River (718 cases), Katsina (302 cases), Bayelsa (265 cases), Ebonyi (227 cases), Niger (136 cases), and Abia (118 cases) account for 62 percent of the suspected cases this year.”

Despite the dire circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope as the report reveals that suspected cholera cases have decreased by a notable 63 percent when compared to the same period in 2022. Cumulative deaths have also seen a 67 percent decline in 2023, offering a ray of optimism amidst the ongoing crisis.