Nigeria’s Cholera Case Fatality Rate Declines To 2.9% Amid Ongoing Efforts: NCDC

Nigeria has seen a massive improvement in its cholera Case Fatality Rate (CFR), which has dropped to 2.9% from 3.5% as efforts to combat the disease continue.

Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is a severe diarrheal illness and remains a significant health challenge, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

According to the latest data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), as of week 27, the country recorded 2,809 suspected cholera cases across 33 states, resulting in 82 deaths.

Nigeria declared a state of emergency on cholera last month due to a CFR of 3.5%, which was higher than the national expected average of one percent.

The agency highlighted the progress compared to previous years, with a 5% decrease in total deaths and a 7% drop in suspected cases from the same period in 2023.

"The epidemiological data highlights Lagos State as the hardest hit, with 1,560 cases accounting for 56% of all reported cases nationwide," NCDC stated, Premium Times reported.

"Notably, Lagos Island Local Government Area alone reported 295 cases, underscoring localized challenges within urban centers. Lagos Island LGA (295 cases) in Lagos State accounts for 11% of all suspected cases reported in the country."

The agency also reported the number of cases in other states: Bayelsa (476), Ebonyi (110), Abia (109), Katsina (88), Zamfara (64), Delta (64), Bauchi (54), Cross River (43), Rivers (37), Imo (28) and Ogun (21). Furthermore, Nasarawa (19), Kano (18), Ondo (17), Oyo (15), Niger (15), Osun (11) and Akwa Ibom (10) also recorded cases.

The Public Health Agency continues to stress the importance of coordinated efforts through the National Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG), which oversees responses in affected states.

"Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) and stool culture tests have been pivotal in diagnosing and managing cases, with 12 RDTs yielding four positive results and 15 stool culture tests confirming two positive cases during Week 27," as per NCDC.

Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable group, followed by individuals aged 25-34 years, according to the NCDC. The distribution of cases indicates a slight male predominance, with 53% of cases compared to 47% female.