The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 170 cases of cholera between 15 and 21 July, with three deaths linked to the outbreak during the period.
The NCDC statement noted that 4,809 cases of cholera have been reported in Nigeria since January. It also mentioned that as part of the cholera control measures, medical supplies for treatment, prevention and infection control have been distributed to all health centres in the country.
On 26 June, Nigeria declared a state of emergency over the cholera outbreak. Last year, over 3,000 cases of cholera were reported in the country, with more than 100 of them fatal.
Cholera, an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and transmitted through contaminated food and water, leads to diarrhoea and significant dehydration. It can be fatal if left untreated.
In Nigeria, lack of clean water and inadequate medical intervention contribute to the risk of disease and death. The country also suffers from frequent outbreaks of other diseases such as malaria, polio, typhoid fever, and monkeypox.
