The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant decline in cholera cases across the country but warned that the outbreak remains active in several areas.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, gave the warning on Friday during a briefing on the ongoing cholera and diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria.
Idris said more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 35 states and about 195 local government areas since the beginning of the year.
Although the number of reported infections has declined, he said the case fatality rate was substantially lower than that recorded during the corresponding period last year.
“This is important progress. But I want to be very clear: the outbreak is not over,” Idris said.
He cautioned that cases could increase again between late August and October as the rainy season intensifies, particularly in areas affected by flooding.
According to him, floods can contaminate sources of drinking water and disrupt sanitation infrastructure, creating conditions favourable for the spread of cholera.
Idris said improved access to treatment had contributed to better survival rates, particularly in Borno State, which has recorded the highest number of cases so far this year.
“In Borno State, where the majority of this year’s cases have occurred, outcomes have been better where treatment has been brought closer to affected communities. We are also seeing better outcomes among people who seek care early,” he said.
However, the NCDC chief stressed that medical treatment alone could not bring the outbreak under control.
“But the data are telling us something equally important: while treatment saves lives, we cannot treat our way out of cholera,” he said.
He identified unsafe drinking water, open defecation, damaged water infrastructure and inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities as key factors driving continued transmission.
Idris therefore called for sustained investment by governments at all levels in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure to address the underlying causes of recurrent cholera outbreaks.
On diphtheria, the NCDC director-general said Nigeria had recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases so far this year.
Although the figure remained high, he said the proportion of confirmed cases resulting in death had fallen significantly compared with the same period last year.
