Nigeria records over 65,000 suspected cholera cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported over 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and approximately 195 local government areas. During a press briefing in Abuja, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris noted that while weekly cases have declined significantly from the season's peak, the outbreak is not over.

Dr. Idris highlighted that the mortality rate is lower than during the same period last year, attributing this to improved early access to treatment. Borno State has recorded the majority of the cases this year, with better outcomes observed in areas where medical services were brought closer to affected populations.

Despite the decline, health officials warned that the ongoing rainy season and potential flooding pose risks by contaminating water sources and overwhelming sanitation systems. Dr. Idris emphasized that treatment alone cannot end the outbreak, citing underlying issues such as unsafe water, open defecation, damaged water distribution systems, and inadequate hygiene infrastructure in schools and public institutions. He called for sustained investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to prevent future outbreaks.