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.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, issued the warning on Friday during a briefing on the ongoing cholera and diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria.
Idris disclosed that 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 same period last year.
“This is important progress. But I want to be very clear: the outbreak is not over,” Idris said.
He warned that cholera cases could increase again between late August and October due to the peak of the rainy season and the risk of flooding.
According to him, flooding can contaminate water sources and damage sanitation infrastructure, creating conditions that facilitate the spread of cholera.
Idris said early access to treatment had contributed to improved survival rates, 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, the NCDC chief stressed that medical treatment alone would not eliminate cholera transmission.
“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 in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure to prevent recurring outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases this year.
Idris said the figure remained high, although the proportion of confirmed diphtheria cases resulting in death had declined significantly compared with the corresponding period last year.
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