Cholera cases decline but outbreak not over — NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a significant decline in cholera cases compared to earlier this year, although transmission is still ongoing across the country. NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, revealed that over 65,000 suspected cholera cases were recorded in 35 states and approximately 195 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

However, he emphasized that the death rate associated with these cases was much lower than at the same time last year. Idris warned that the outbreak could intensify between late August and October due to the ongoing rainy season and flooding, which could increase the risk of contaminated water sources and poor sanitation systems.

Early treatment has proven beneficial, particularly in Borno State, which has seen the majority of cases this year. Idris stressed that while treatment saves lives, it is not enough to end cholera transmission; addressing issues like unsafe water, open defecation, damaged water distribution systems, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure is crucial to prevent further outbreaks.

The NCDC also reported a high diphtheria burden, with more than 10,000 confirmed cases this year. While the death rate has decreased compared to the same period last year, much of the burden is concentrated in Kano, Borno, and Bauchi states. Idris attributes this to gaps in vaccination coverage, especially among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children, as well as insecurity, hard-to-reach communities, and population movement.

The NCDC is actively coordinating the public health response with state governments and development partners, strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, and supporting healthcare workers in case management and infection prevention and control. They have deployed National Rapid Response Teams to affected states to support investigations and response activities.

Efforts to control cholera include improving access to treatment, investigating transmission sources, assessing water supply points, and addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene gaps. In Borno State, they have investigated transmission sources, assessed water supply points, identified gaps in water quality, sanitation, and chlorination, and implemented oral cholera vaccination in high-burden areas.

For diphtheria, the response focuses on increasing vaccination coverage, rapid case identification and management, and providing essential treatment and laboratory commodities. NCDC Chief Dr. Idris urged state and local governments to intensify efforts to control the outbreaks by identifying high-risk communities and directing resources where they are most needed.