NCDC Reports Decline in Cholera Cases, Warns Outbreak Is Not Over
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant decline in cholera cases across the country but warned that transmission is still ongoing in some parts of Nigeria.
NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris, issued the warning on Friday during a briefing on the 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 cases has declined, he noted that the case fatality rate was significantly 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.
The NCDC boss also warned that cholera cases could increase again between late August and October as the rainy season continues, particularly with the possibility of flooding in vulnerable communities.
According to Idris, flooding could contaminate sources of drinking water and disrupt sanitation infrastructure, creating conditions that favour further cholera transmission.
He said improvements in early treatment had contributed to better survival outcomes, particularly in Borno State, which has recorded the highest number of cases 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, Idris stressed that medical treatment alone cannot eliminate cholera transmission, particularly where underlying water and sanitation challenges remain unresolved.
“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 continuing to drive cholera transmission in affected communities.
Idris therefore called for sustained government investment in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure as part of efforts to prevent recurring cholera outbreaks across Nigeria.
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On diphtheria, the NCDC Director General said Nigeria had recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases of the disease this year.
While the number remains high, he said the proportion of confirmed diphtheria cases resulting in death had fallen significantly compared with the same period last year.
