NCDC Reports 3,623 Suspected Cholera Cases and 103 Deaths Across Nigeria

On July 15, 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a total of 3,623 suspected cases of cholera and 103 deaths across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, revealed these figures during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting that the outbreak has affected 187 local government areas with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8% since the beginning of the year.

Dr. Idris noted that children aged five years old were predominantly affected, with males accounting for 52% of the cases. He mentioned a 5.6% decline in the number of cases reported during the week of July 8th to July 14th compared to the previous week. The case fatality rate also decreased slightly from 2.9% to 2.8% during this period.

He cautioned that while current national and state efforts have shown some progress in curbing the outbreak, historical trends suggest that the peak of cholera outbreaks typically aligns with the peak of the rainy season, which is still ahead. He attributed reduced case numbers in certain northern states to the delayed onset of the rainy season in those regions.

Dr. Idris expressed concern over potential underreporting of cholera cases due to inadequate surveillance resources at the subnational level and suggested that political implications may also influence reporting. He highlighted an increase in other epidemic-prone diseases such as Yellow fever and Lassa fever alongside the ongoing cholera outbreak.

He reassured that the Federal Government, through the NCDC, continues to actively respond to the cholera outbreak to mitigate its impact on public health across the country.