As Nigeria approaches the peak of the rainy season, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued important health advisories and updates on disease outbreaks.
Nigerians are urged to avoid open defecation, improper waste disposal, and to regularly clear sewage to prevent waterborne diseases like cholera. Personal hygiene is also crucial; frequent handwashing with soap under clean water, and boiling and properly storing drinking water are recommended.Currently, there are 1,307 suspected cholera cases reported across 30 states and 98 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with 34 deaths—giving a case fatality rate of 2.6%, which exceeds the target of less than 1%. Cholera, caused by contaminated food and water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria, remains endemic, especially in communities with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
The NCDC highlights that the rainy season and recent flood forecasts increase the risk of cholera outbreaks. Over 1,200 communities are identified as high flood risk zones, necessitating coordinated preparedness and intervention efforts. Hotspot areas are being prioritized for multisectoral responses, including deploying Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).
The focus is on preventing transmission through improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices, as contaminated water sources—street-vended beverages, ice, and raw produce washed with wastewater—are common disease vectors.Cholera symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and fever. While most cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to death within hours if untreated. Early detection and treatment are vital.
The NCDC also reports progress in managing other diseases: suspected Lassa fever cases have decreased from 41 to 10 in recent weeks, with a drop in deaths, and recent data show a decline in Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases and fatalities, indicating effective ongoing control measures.Overall, sustained vigilance, improved sanitation, and multisectoral collaboration are crucial to prevent further outbreaks and save lives during this critical period.
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