The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced a critical shortage of cholera vaccines as the death toll from the latest outbreak reaches 40. The NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed that the country is awaiting a new supply of vaccines from international donor agencies, though the delivery date remains uncertain.
Dr. Idris emphasized the urgent need for widespread vaccination and other preventive measures to combat the spread of cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease caused by the ingestion of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae through contaminated food and water.
In the past four years, cholera has claimed the lives of 4,364 out of 139,730 suspected cases in Nigeria, according to an investigation by Saturday PUNCH. This data is based on an analysis of weekly cholera situation reports released by the NCDC from 2021 to 2024.
With the onset of the rainy season, the NCDC recently warned of a surge in cholera cases nationwide. A statement by Dr. Idris on June 13, 2024, revealed that from January 1 to June 11, 2024, Nigeria reported 1,141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths from cholera across 96 local government areas in 30 states.
The agency identified Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos as the ten states contributing to 90 percent of the cholera burden. In Lagos, the state Ministry of Health reported 350 suspected cases with 17 confirmed and 15 deaths due to severe dehydration from delayed treatment.
By June 19, 2024, Lagos State’s cholera incidence had escalated to 417 suspected cases, 35 confirmed cases, and 24 deaths, according to Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi. He urged residents to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to curb the outbreak.
Cases in Lagos have been reported in Agege, Badagry, Ikeja, Mushin, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, Shomolu, Apapa, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos Mainland, and Surulere.
Ogun State has also been affected, with Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker confirming one death and 14 cases. Nationwide, the cholera incidence for 2024 has reached 1,222 suspected cases, 88 confirmed cases, and 40 fatalities in just 12 days.
The NCDC continues to stress the importance of vaccination and hygiene practices to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
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