The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported over 10,800 suspected cholera cases and 359 deaths across the country this year. This represents a 220 per cent increase in cases and a 239 per cent rise in deaths compared to last year.
According to the NCDC, children under five years old are the most affected, with males making up 52 per cent of the cases and females 48 per cent. Lagos State recorded the highest number of cases, accounting for 43 per cent of the total.
The agency said that in September alone, there were 1,938 new cases and 87 deaths. Adamawa State was particularly affected, with 535 cases reported in the past month, while other states like Jigawa, Borno, and Kano also saw high numbers.
Recall that following a devastating flood that caused severe damages, the Borno State Government recently declared an outbreak of cholera, with 451 suspected cases reported across several local government areas, adding to the rise in number of cases.
The NCDC explained that the disease is spread through contaminated food and water, and areas with poor sanitation are the most vulnerable. Open defecation and lack of access to clean water were identified as major contributing factors.
The agency added that it is working with the National Cholera Task Force to monitor and respond to the outbreak.
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