Nigeria has shown a promising decline in its cholera case fatality rate (CFR), which has dropped to 2.9 percent amid ongoing efforts to combat the deadly disease.
The latest data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) website revealed that as of week 27, the country reported a total of 2,809 suspected cases across 33 states, resulting in 82 deaths.
As of June 24, Nigeria had announced a state of emergency on cholera due to a case fatality rate of 3.5 percent—well above the national expected average of one percent—signaling a dire situation. Cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The disease remains a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water access. Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is crucial in curbing its spread and implementing effective prevention measures.
The agency noted that this marked a notable improvement compared to previous years, reflecting a five percent reduction in cumulative deaths and a seven percent decrease in suspected cases from the same period in 2023.
“The epidemiological data highlights Lagos State as the hardest hit, with 1,560 cases accounting for 56 percent of all reported cases nationwide. Notably, Lagos Island Local Government Area alone reported 295 cases, underscoring localised challenges within urban centres,” the NCDC reported.
Other affected states include Bayelsa (476 cases), Ebonyi (110), Abia (109), Katsina (88 cases), Zamfara (64 cases), Delta (64 cases), Bauchi (54 cases), Cross River (43 cases), Rivers (37 cases), Imo (28), and Ogun (21). Additionally, Nasarawa (19 cases), Kano (18), Ondo (17 cases), Oyo (15), Niger (15), Osun (11 cases) and Akwa Ibom (10) account for 42.7 per cent of the suspected cases this year.
The public health agency continues to emphasise multi-sectoral efforts through the National Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG), which monitors and coordinates responses across affected states. “Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) and stool culture tests have been pivotal in diagnosing and managing cases, with 12 RDTs yielding four positive results and 15 stool culture tests confirming two positive cases during Week 27,” it noted.
Demographically, children under five years old remain the most vulnerable group, followed by individuals aged 25-34 years. The NCDC highlighted a slight male predominance in case distribution, with 53 percent of cases compared to 47 per cent female.
Despite progress, challenges persist, necessitating sustained efforts in healthcare infrastructure, public health education, and community engagement to curb the spread of cholera. The recent decline in CFR is a testament to the effectiveness of interventions implemented thus far, but vigilance and collaborative action remain paramount in achieving lasting reductions in cholera morbidity and mortality across Nigeria.
