Cholera: Nigeria records 34 deaths, 1307 suspected cases

As Nigeria set for the peak of the rainy season, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has raised the alarm over a possible surge in cholera outbreaks, revealing that 1,307 suspected cases and 34 deaths have already been reported across 30 states and 98 Local Government Areas this year.

Dr. Idris, who addressed journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, warned that over 3,300 communities in flood-prone areas are at immediate or moderate risk of cholera transmission due to limited access to clean water and poor sanitation.

“The current case fatality rate of 2.6% is above our target of less than 1%. This is unacceptable and preventable,” Dr. Idris declared. “We are urging states to activate their emergency preparedness plans and avoid suppressing data. Timely action can save lives.”

He cited projections from the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook which identified over 1,200 high-risk communities in 176 LGAs, and another 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs at moderate risk, emphasizing the need for localized and proactive responses.

Dr. Idris also provided updates on other major disease threats:

Lassa Fever: A decline in cases has been recorded, from 41 in epidemiological week 12 to 10 in week 16. Cumulatively, Nigeria has reported 4,253 suspected cases, 696 confirmed, and 132 deaths, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.0%.

Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM): The outbreak is showing signs of containment, with a steady decline in cases over the last three weeks. Vaccination and community outreach have helped reduce mortality.

Mpox: From January to mid-April 2025, 723 suspected cases and 136 confirmed cases have been recorded in 27 states and the FCT, with three fatalities reported. “Mpox remains a concern with community and healthcare-associated transmission still ongoing,” Dr. Idris said.

In response to these threats, NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), optimized five Mpox testing labs across the geopolitical zones, and conducted training for health workers on infection control and case management.

“We’ve prepositioned vital supplies and intensified public communication to reach vulnerable populations,” Dr. Idris added. “But health workers and communities must remain vigilant.”

Dr. Idris emphasized that cholera is a highly contagious but preventable and treatable disease, spread through contaminated food and water. He warned that flooding, open defecation, and poor hygiene practices heighten the risk, especially in urban slums and rural communities.

Symptoms include sudden watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, which can lead to death within hours if untreated. The NCDC advises the use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and prompt medical attention.

The NCDC has issued strong recommendations to health workers, state governments, and the public:

For Health Workers: Report suspected cases promptly, adhere to infection control measures, and educate patients on hygiene.

For States: Activate preparedness plans, ensure provision of clean water, sanitation, and conduct vaccination campaigns in hotspots.

For the Public: Boil drinking water, maintain hygiene, avoid raw street foods, and seek immediate care for diarrhea.

Dr. Idris concluded by reaffirming NCDC’s commitment to protecting public health, calling for collaborative, sustained efforts to reduce mortality and contain outbreaks before they spiral out of control.

“We are not helpless. With timely surveillance, public cooperation, and government commitment, we can prevent these diseases from claiming more lives,” he said.