Fatshimetrie: The persistent threat of cholera in Nigeria
The recent outbreak of cholera in Nigeria raises serious concerns about public health in the country. With a case fatality rate of 3.5%, well above the expected national average of 1%, this epidemic highlights the seriousness of the situation.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, highlighted this during an update on the epidemiological situation of cholera in Nigeria and the ongoing prevention and response efforts at the levels. national and subnational.
Cholera, a severe diarrheal disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, remains a significant health challenge, particularly in regions facing problems with sanitation and access to drinking water.
Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is essential to stop its spread and implement effective prevention measures.
Dr Idris said: “The government is deeply concerned by the rapid spread and higher than expected mortality rate, signaling a deadlier outbreak.”
This tragic toll represents significant personal losses, including family members, spouses, parents and healthcare workers. The rainy season period adds a layer of complexity to the crisis.
Lagos records the highest number of deaths, closely followed by Rivers, Abia, Delta, Katsina, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa and Cross River.
This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to avoid an escalation of the crisis. Sixteen states account for 90% of confirmed cases, with Lagos as the epicenter of the epidemic.
Nigeria, after having faced epidemics of Lassa fever and meningitis, finds itself faced with a new public health emergency.
A dynamic risk assessment conducted last week led to the activation of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate national efforts to combat the disease.
The EOC will act as a coordination and response hub, facilitating rapid communication, resource mobilization, enhanced surveillance, and improved data analysis.
An incident manager will oversee the daily operations of the EOC, coordinating activities such as surveillance, case management, use of oral cholera vaccines, infection prevention and control, logistical support and research.
Prior to this activation, the NCDC and the National Cholera Protection Agency had already taken several preventive measures, including the distribution of medical supplies, on-site support to states, and daily reporting on progress..
The NCDC, together with the National Cholera Technical Task Force, undertook prevention and response efforts, including prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control and laboratory diagnosis in all 36 states and the FCT.
The credit goes to each responder, at every level, who worked tirelessly to respond to this epidemic. Only concerted efforts will address this public health challenge and protect the well-being of Nigerians.