The cholera outbreak in Nigeria has resulted in 103 fatalities among 3,623 suspected cases reported across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), as of July 15, these cases and deaths span 187 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina, and Zamfara states have been the most affected, accounting for 83% of the total burden of the disease.
Despite these figures, the country has seen a decline in both cases and deaths compared to earlier months when the outbreak first emerged in 2024. Additionally, a yellow fever outbreak has been reported in Ekiti and Bayelsa states, with three cases and one fatality.
In its June public health alert, the NCDC noted that from January to June 11, 2024, there were 30 deaths linked to 1,141 suspected cholera cases, with 65 confirmed cases across 96 councils in 30 states. During this period, 15 states represented 90% of the disease burden. By June 21, the number of fatalities had increased to 34, with 1,288 confirmed cases, and 15 states still accounted for over 80% of the cases.
However, between June 21 and June 23, the figures rose significantly, with 53 deaths (an increase of 19 in just three days) from 1,528 suspected cases across 107 councils in 31 states. The June 23 update indicated that Lagos was among the 15 states contributing to 90% of the disease burden, with 29 deaths reported.
At a news conference yesterday, NCDC Director General Jide Idris stated that the cumulative case fatality rate for cholera since the start of the year is currently at 2.8%. The predominant age group affected is 5 years old, with males comprising 52% of cases and females making up the remainder. Idris also announced a 5.6% decrease in the number of cases for the reporting week of July 8-14, compared to the previous week. He added, “We have also seen a reduction in the case fatality rate from 2.9% to 2.8%. There is indeed a decline in the case fatality rate from week 24, when the spike began, to the current week.”
Thenation