Nigeria battles escalating Cholera crisis: 220% spike in cases, 359 dead
Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC DG
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
By Abujah Racheal
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a staggering 220% rise in suspected cholera cases in 2024, marking a sharp increase in the ongoing outbreak.
According to the NCDC’s latest epidemiological report, the country recorded 10,837 suspected cases and 359 deaths by the end of epidemiological week 39.
This represents a 239% surge in fatalities compared to 2023, with the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) rising slightly to 3.3% from last year’s 3.1%.
In the past week alone, 198 new suspected cases were reported across five states, leading to 15 deaths, with a weekly CFR of 7.6%. The most affected states include Adamawa (131 cases), Ebonyi (30 cases), Borno (29 cases), Kano (7 cases), and Jigawa (1 case). Adamawa remains a hotspot, with 535 cases reported in the past month.
The NCDC emphasized that Lagos State reported the highest number of suspected cholera cases this year, contributing 43% of the national total, with Lagos Island Local Government Area accounting for 5% of all cases.
Stool cultures and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) have confirmed the presence of the disease across multiple states, further highlighting the widespread nature of the outbreak.
Children under five are the most affected, followed by those aged five to 14, with males representing 52% of total suspected cases. The NCDC’s report calls for continued vigilance and a robust response, warning that the outbreak shows no signs of slowing.
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The agency cited several factors contributing to the spread of cholera, including poor access to potable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. Open defecation and the reliance on water sellers in rural areas and urban slums also continue to exacerbate the situation.
Efforts to curb the outbreak face significant challenges, including a shortage of skilled personnel, inadequate case management materials, and a lack of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) tools at the community level.
The NCDC has activated a national multi-sectoral Cholera Technical Working Group to monitor and respond to outbreaks across states and is calling for improved sanitation, access to clean water, and public health education.
The outbreak in Nigeria mirrors a global trend, with cholera cases and deaths rising significantly in regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), deaths from diarrheal diseases surged by 71% globally last year, driven by conflict and climate change.
Public health experts are urging immediate intervention strategies and community engagement to combat the spread of the disease, as cholera, though easily preventable and treatable, continues to overwhelm health systems worldwide.
