Cholera kills 2,791 in 28 states, FCT in nine months – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control says that 2,791 persons have died of cholera across 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the beginning of 2021.

Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, told the newsmen in Abuja that a total of 81,413 suspected cases were recorded in nine months.

Ihekweazu identified the affected states as: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Rivers and Zamfara.

“As of 19th September, 2021, a total of 81,413 suspected cases, including 2,791 deaths (CFR 3.4 per cent) have been reported from 28 states and the FCT in 2021.

“Of the suspected cases since the beginning of the year, age group five to 14 years is the most affected for male and female,” he added.

The NCDC boss added that of all suspected cases, 50 per cent were males and 50 per cent, females.

Ihekweazu added that the national multi-sectoral EOC, activated at level 02, continues to coordinate the national response.

Cholera is a water borne disease and the risk of transmission is higher where there are poor sanitation and disruption of clean water supply.

The wrong disposal of refuse and practices, such as open defecation, endanger the safety of water used for drinking and personal use.

These lead to the spread of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and without proper Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Nigeria remained at risk of cholera cases and deaths.