The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant decline in cholera cases across the country but warned that the outbreak remains active in parts of Nigeria.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, issued the warning on Friday during a briefing on the ongoing cholera and diphtheria outbreaks in the country.
Idris disclosed that more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases had been reported across 35 states and approximately 195 local government areas since the beginning of the year.
Although reported cases have declined, he said the fatality rate among recorded cases was considerably lower than during the corresponding period last year.
“This is important progress. But I want to be very clear: the outbreak is not over,” Idris said.
Rainy Season Could Trigger Fresh Cases
The NCDC boss warned that cholera infections could increase again between late August and October due to the rainy season and the risk of flooding.
According to him, flooding can contaminate drinking-water sources and damage sanitation infrastructure, creating conditions that allow cholera to spread rapidly.
Idris said early access to treatment had contributed to improved survival rates, particularly in Borno State, which has recorded the majority of the suspected cases reported this year.
“In Borno State, where the majority of this year’s cases have occurred, outcomes have been better where treatment has been brought closer to affected communities. We are also seeing better outcomes among people who seek care early,” he said.
‘We Cannot Treat Our Way Out of Cholera’
Despite improvements in treatment outcomes, Idris stressed that medical treatment alone cannot eliminate cholera transmission.
“But the data are telling us something equally important: while treatment saves lives, we cannot treat our way out of cholera,” he said.
He identified unsafe drinking water, open defecation, damaged water systems and inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities as major factors contributing to the continued spread of the disease.
The NCDC director-general called on governments at all levels to sustain investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure to reduce the risk of recurrent outbreaks.
Diphtheria Cases Also Remain High
Idris also disclosed that Nigeria had recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases of diphtheria this year.
Although the number remains high, he said the proportion of confirmed cases resulting in death had fallen significantly compared with the same period last year.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, seek medical attention promptly when symptoms occur and maintain safe water and hygiene practices, particularly during the rainy season.
