Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria Claims 359 Lives

A cholera outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in at least 359 deaths across 33 states, including Lagos, from January to September 2024, Xinhua reported yesterday citing the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The agency reported a surge in suspected cases, now exceeding 10,837.

Last week alone, five states reported 15 new fatalities from 198 suspected cases, yielding a case-fatality ratio of 7.6%. The NCDC has called on state authorities to enhance their cholera preparedness and response strategies.

In September, 254 rapid diagnostic tests were conducted, revealing 175 positive results, alongside 149 stool culture tests with 103 positives. Contributing factors to the outbreak include widespread open defecation and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, complicating efforts to control the disease. Cholera, marked by severe diarrhea and dehydration, poses a significant public health challenge in densely populated regions of Nigeria.