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 in Nigeria this year. Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, stated that there has been a significant decline in weekly cholera cases from earlier peaks, and the death rate from reported cases has also decreased compared to the same period last year.

However, he cautioned that the cholera outbreak is not over. Additionally, more than 10,000 confirmed cases of diphtheria have been recorded this year, with a notable decline in the death rate.

Dr. Idris identified Kano, Borno, and Bauchi as states with a high burden of diphtheria, attributing its spread to low vaccination coverage. He emphasized the importance of improving vaccination rates to control both outbreaks and mentioned ongoing interventions by the NCDC to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, and community engagement.