As of July 15, 2024, there have been 3,623 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja, the predominant age group affected is five years old, with males accounting for 52 percent of the cases.
Dr. Idris stated that the outbreak has affected 187 local government areas, with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8 percent since the beginning of the year.
“There has been a 5.6 percent decline in the number of cases reported during the week of July 8th to 14th compared to the previous week,” Dr. Idris noted.
“Additionally, the case fatality rate has decreased from 2.9 percent to 2.8 percent.”
Dr. Idris highlighted ongoing efforts at the national and state levels that have contributed to the decline in cases.
However, he cautioned that the peak of the outbreak typically coincides with the height of the rainy season, which is still forthcoming.
“Some northern states that are traditional hotspots have reported fewer cases, possibly due to the delayed onset of the rainy season in those regions,” he added.
Dr. Idris also pointed out issues with underreporting from some states, attributing this to inadequate resources for surveillance and disease detection at the subnational level.
Despite almost all states in Nigeria reporting cholera cases, the NCDC stressed the need for improved data reporting and resource allocation to better manage and contain the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to find a solution to the spread of cholera in the country.
