Cholera Outbreak In Nigeria Soars By 128%, Lagos Hardest Hit

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a dramatic 128% rise in cholera cases across the country, with Lagos State emerging as the epicenter of the outbreak.

According to the NCDC, Lagos accounts for 60% of all reported cases, with Lagos Island being the hardest-hit Local Government Area (LGA).

In its latest update for epidemiological week 35, the NCDC disclosed that the death toll had risen by 106%, bringing the total fatalities to 204 in 2024.

The agency reported 7,056 suspected cases as of Sept. 1, a sharp increase from the 3,096 cases recorded at the same point in 2023.

In June 2024, Nigeria declared a state of emergency due to cholera, following a case fatality rate of 3.5%, which significantly exceeded the national benchmark of 1%.

Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains a serious public health threat in regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water.

The NCDC emphasized the importance of understanding cholera’s transmission mechanisms in curbing the spread and implementing effective prevention strategies.

Apart from Lagos, other heavily affected states include Bayelsa, Katsina, and Zamfara.

The NCDC noted that while the fatality rate had slightly improved, dropping to 2.9% from 3.2% in 2023, the situation remains critical.

The agency said it is intensifying rapid diagnostic testing and stool culture tests to manage the outbreak effectively.

“Vulnerable groups, especially children under five, continue to bear the brunt of the epidemic,” the NCDC said.

The agency also called for increased public awareness and intervention to curb the spread of the disease, while continuing its ongoing monitoring efforts.

Meanwhile, public health experts have identified several factors fueling the surge in cholera cases.

Dr. John Okoro, an epidemiologist, pointed to the lack of proper sanitation in densely populated urban areas. “The inadequate waste management systems and poor access to clean water in places like Lagos Island have made it a breeding ground for waterborne diseases,” Okoro said.

He stressed the urgent need for government intervention. “Improving access to safe drinking water and investing in sanitation infrastructure should be a top priority. Without these changes, communities in urban slums will continue to suffer preventable outbreaks.”

Environmental health specialist, Mr. Peter Adamu, echoed these concerns, highlighting long-standing infrastructure deficits. “Slum areas, particularly in Lagos, have been neglected for years, exposing residents to high risks and increasing the public health burden on the country,” Adamu said.

He called for a comprehensive approach to urban health planning and urged for greater collaboration between health, environmental, and urban planning authorities to prevent future health crises.