The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported that so far in 2023, it has recorded 79 deaths and 1,336 suspected cases of Cholera in Nigeria.
In a cholera situation epidemiological report on the NCDC official website, the agency confirmed that cases had been reported across 43 local government of 12 states in Nigeria, which include Abia, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Sokoto and Zamfara. However, they reported that “six states, Cross River (647 cases), Ebonyi (97 cases), Abia (72 cases), Niger (38 cases), and Zamfara (28 cases) account for 96 per cent of all cumulative cases.”
The NCDC reported that 53% of the suspected cases were male, while the remaining 43% were females. They also pointed out that the most affected age groups were those between 15-24 years, and those older than 45 years.
As large portions of the world are currently experiencing low or inter-epidemic transmission rates, this number could rise in the months to come. This is based on past transmission patterns and seasonality. The NCDC then assured that training on cholera surveillance, hotspot mapping- that is, pointing out unsafe areas, preparedness on state level, and response strategies will continue in order to control the spread of the epidemic.
Cholera, which is an illness caused by an infection of the intestine, is also being reported by at least 24 other countries according to the World Health Organization. In Nigeria, cholera is a disease that occurs annually, as it usually comes during the rain season and mostly affects areas with poor sanitation.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
Follow us on:
