Flood: Northern States Witnessing Upsurge in Cholera Spread, Says NCDC 

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja 

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has said some states in the northern part of country had recorded increase in the spread of cholera disease.

While providing updates on various diseases outbreak across the country, the centre said cholera has claimed 378 lives, Lassa Fever, 172 lives, and Marburg, 15 deaths.

Addressing journalists in his office in Abuja, the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said recent floods in the northern states such as Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano have exacerbated the spread of cholera, making these states the current epicenters of the outbreak.

Speaking on the changing pattern of cholera disease spread, Idris said, “earlier in the year, the cholera cases were concentrated in southern states but as the rains began, we have seen a shift, with northern states now accounting for a significant portion of cases.” 

According to him, the number of suspected cholera cases and deaths in 2024 has more than doubled, when compared to this time last year. 

“The NCDC, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has been working tirelessly to mitigate the spread of this and save lives. As of October 13, 2024, a total of 14,237 cases of cholera have been reported across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), spanning 339 local government areas. 

“Sadly, 378 lives have been lost, resulting in a case fatality ratio (CFR) of about 2.7 per cent. The burden of this outbreak disproportionately affects the most vulnerable – children under the age of five.” 

According to NCDC boss, this year has seen two significant waves of cholera, with the most recent surge, reported during the week of September 29 (Epi Week 39) being attributed to the heavy rains.