22/06/2024
CHOLERA OUTBREAK ALERT IN NIGERIA JUNE 2024
The Nigerian Government has alerted the public of the increasing trend of cholera cases across the country as the raining season intensifies. An outbreak in Lagos State has recently been reported.
From the 1st of January 2024 to the 11t h of June 2024, a total of 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera with 30 deaths have been reported from 96 LGAs in 30 States.
The 10 states that contributed 90% to the burden of cholera are Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos States.
RISK OF INFECTION
Cholera is primarily spread through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Key points of transmission include:
1. Contaminated Water: Drinking or using water from sources contaminated with faces containing V. cholerae.
2. Contaminated Food: Eating food contaminated with the bacterium, often through improper handling or washing with contaminated water.
3. Poor Sanitation: Areas with inadequate sanitation infrastructure are particularly vulnerable, as open defecation and lack of clean water contribute to the spread.
CHOLERA PREVENTION ADVICE
Preventing cholera involves a combination of measures that focus on improving water, sanitation, hygiene, and access to medical care. Here are some key strategies:
1. Safe Water
• Ensure Access to Clean Water: Provide access to safe drinking water by treating water sources, using chlorine, boiling water, or using water purification tablets.
• Protect Water Sources: Protect wells and other water sources from contamination by human and animal waste.
2. Sanitation
• Proper Waste Disposal: Improve sanitation infrastructure to ensure proper disposal of human waste. Use latrines and toilets that are well-maintained and located away from water sources.
• Sewage Treatment: Implement systems for the safe treatment and disposal of sewage.
3. Hygiene
• Handwashing: Promote regular handwashing with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.
4.Food Safety
• Ensure that food is properly cooked and stored. Raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked food should be avoided.
