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Tag: Cholera

  • Cholera outbreak claims four in Adamawa

    Cholera outbreak claims four in Adamawa

    A cholera outbreak has claimed four people in Yola North Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.

    Health and local council authorities who confirmed the casualty yesterday, said the deaths resulted from 40 cases recorded between September 4 and 15, this year, from Alkawa Ward, Ajiya Ward, and Limawa Ward, all in the Yola North LGA.

    “The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 40, with four fatalities,” the Yola North council chairman, Jibril Ibrahim, said. He added that health officials were monitoring the situation, and that samples collected from the outbreak had tested positive for Vibrio cholerae 01 serotype at the Yola Specialist Hospital.

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    He urged the Adamawa State Government to contain the spread.

    “We need immediate support from the state government and collaboration from the people of Yola North to help health workers in their efforts to control this outbreak,” he said.

    He called for community cooperation with health workers, who have begun house-to-house visits to raise awareness and prevent further cases.

  • Cholera outbreak claims four lives in Adamawa

    Cholera outbreak claims four lives in Adamawa

    A cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of four people in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa state.

    Health and local council authorities who confirmed the casualty on Sunday, September 15, said the deaths resulted from 40 cases recorded between September 4th and 15th, 2024, from Alkawa Ward, Ajiya Ward, and Limawa Ward, all in the Yola North LGA.

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    “The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 40, with four fatalities,” the Yola North council chairman, Barrister Jibril Ibrahim, said.

    The council chairman added that health officials were closely monitoring the situation, and samples collected from the outbreak have tested positive for Vibrio cholerae 01 serotype at the Yola Specialist Hospital.

    He urged the Adamawa state government to take swift action to contain the spread.

    “We need immediate support from the state government and collaboration from the people of Yola North to help health workers in their efforts to control this outbreak,” he said.

    He called for community cooperation with health workers, who have begun house-to-house visits to raise awareness and prevent further cases.

  • Nigeria records decline in Cholera, Diphtheria, Lassa Fever

    Nigeria records decline in Cholera, Diphtheria, Lassa Fever

    …as NCDC alerts public to next outbreaks

    Nigeria has recorded a decline in cases of cholera, diphtheria, and Lassa fever, with fewer states reporting outbreaks, although the public is urged to prepare for potential future outbreaks due to the seasonal nature of these diseases.

    This was disclosed by Jide Idris, the director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), during a press briefing in Abuja, where he highlighted the agency’s efforts in managing disease outbreaks in the country.

    He said: “Preparing for the seasonal diseases is key. Lassa fever is on the decline. Meningitis is on the decline because we have been advised to deactivate the EOC.

    “We know that this is seasonal, and very soon it will start coming up. We’re expecting Lassa fever to be on the rise again in the next couple of weeks.

    “Meningitis, again, will peak again towards the beginning of next year. So, right now, we should start preparing people, to ensure that we put down all the strategies for preventing diseases so that we do not record as many cases as we recorded in the current year and the previous year.

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    “In preparing, we stockpile materials we need for whatever it is when these things occur in terms of medicines, in terms of PPEs, in terms and medical countermeasures.

    “We increase our public awareness, so in the next couple of weeks now we’re going to increase specific public awareness concerning Lassa fever and meningitis so that this will be sustained. We have to prepare the minds of the people again.”

    Given the breakdown of the disease outbreak over the year, Idris said there was a 55% reduction in the number of cases in week 36 compared to week 35.

    He said eight confirmed cases of Mpox were recorded across eight States bringing the total number of confirmed cases since the outbreak to 67 across 23 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 1031 suspected cases across all States of the Federation and the FCT, except Borno State.

    Though no deaths have been recorded so far, the DG, however, said it is investigating the reason behind Borno State’s no-report status.

    He said among other steps, NCDC is expanding its network of molecular laboratories with at least 2 laboratories to be optimized in each geopolitical zone

    Idria also revealed that the country has recorded a 55 percent reduction in the number of cases of Cholera in week 36 compared to week 35 with one death from 141 suspected cases.

    Noting that in 2024, the country recorded 7,663 suspected cases of cholera across 35 States and the FCT in 280 LGAs, the DG warned that with the decline in cholera cases, it is important to maintain vigilance and not become complacent in the fight against the disease.

    He said, cumulatively, from January to date, 216 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 2.8 percent from 7,663 suspected cases.

    He said: In total for 2024, 35 States and the FCT have recorded at least one suspected case across 280 LGAs. 89% of all suspected cases were reported from these 10 States of Lagos -58%; Bayelsa – 7%; Katsina -6%; Jigawa – 5%; Zamfara -3%; Ebonyi – 3%; Rivers – 2%; Abia -2%; Ogun -2%; and Imo – 1%.

    “15 LGAs account for 57% of all cases, with Lagos Island LGA contributing the highest – 8%. The predominant age affected is two to 14 years. Males account for 52% of cases, female 48%”.

    On Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), Idris said the nation has recorded a total of 4915 suspected cases including 361 deaths (CFR 7.3%) have been reported from 24 States in the 2023/2024 season.

    He said the age group 5-14 years was reported as the most affected, while 60% of the total suspected cases are male while listing the five most affected States as Yobe (3014), Bauchi (517), Jigawa (389), Katsina (352), and Gombe (316) that accounts for 93% of all cases reported.

    According to him, this translates to a high increase in the trend of cases in 2024 compared to the last 4 years (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively)

    On Lassa fever, he said between the 19th and 25th of August, Nigeria recorded 80 suspected cases of Lassa fever across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba States. Fortunately, no deaths were reported during this period.

    Cumulatively, from January to August 25th, a total of 7,973 suspected cases have been reported across 127 LGAs in 28 states. This translates to at least one suspected case in every State of the federation, including FCT.

    On Yellow Fever, 1728 total suspected cases have been recorded within the week under review from the 36 States and the FCT across 496 LGAs reporting suspected cases (64.1%)

    According to Idris, 211 were vaccinated among all cases, translating to 12.2% while three deaths were recorded from confirmed Lassa fever cases in seven LGAs across four States.

    Bayelsa recorded two confirmed cases from the Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa LGAs, Ondo State had four confirmed cases, with one each from Akoko North West, Akoko South West, Ondo West, and Akoko North East LGAs, Ogun State reported one confirmed case from Ijebu North LGA, while Oyo State also recorded one confirmed case in Iseyin LGA.

    Idris expressed concern over the low vaccination rate of just 12.2% for the disease, stressing the need to raise awareness and encourage the public to take advantage of the vaccine-preventable disease.

    On Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Idris altered the nation to the situation he said required concerted efforts of the public to mitigate, saying, that as of 2019, 64,500 deaths were attributable to AMR while 263,400 deaths were associated with it.

    Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, Idris said: “The AMR pandemic has surpassed the big three—malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.”

    He said both medical workers and patients must exercise due diligence by reversing the negative trend of poor levels of AMR awareness among health workers, policymakers, and the general public; overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal health; and taking antibiotics when they are not needed.

    Decrying the limited surveillance systems for tracking AMR trends as a contributory factor to AMR, he also admonishes that the public must refrain from buying antibiotics without a prescription, using too many antibiotics in farming while poor hygiene and sanitation in community, health facilities, farms, and abattoirs must be taken seriously.

    Idris also provided an update on Diphtheria, stating that from 2022 to August 2024, 36,151 suspected cases across 36 States and the FCT, covering 332 LGAs were recorded.

    Of the number, 1,103 deaths from 21,938 confirmed cases from 173 LGAs across 26 states were recorded, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 5.0%.

  • 8 tips to avoid cholera, maintain good health

    8 tips to avoid cholera, maintain good health

    Protecting yourself from cholera is crucial, and it all starts with good hygiene, sanitation, and food safety habits.

    To help you stay safe, here are some essential tips to prevent cholera:

    1. Drink safe water

       – Use only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water for drinking, brushing teeth, and preparing food and drinks.

       – Avoid ice cubes unless made from safe water.

    2. Practice good hygiene

       – Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet.

       – Use hand sanitisers containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

    3. Eat safe food

       – Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.

       – Avoid raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish.

       – Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges, and avocados.

       – Avoid foods and drinks from street vendors unless they are known to be safe.

    4. Maintain sanitation

       – Use proper sanitation facilities to dispose of human waste.

       – Ensure that sewage and waste are properly managed to prevent contamination of water sources.

       – In areas without proper sanitation, use a latrine or bury faeces away from water sources and living areas.

    5. Avoid contaminated water sources

       – Do not swim or bathe in water that may be contaminated with sewage.

       – Avoid washing clothes or dishes in rivers, lakes, or ponds that may be contaminated.

    6. Treat water properly

       – Boil water for at least one minute or use water purification tablets if bottled water is not available.

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       – Use a reliable water filter that can remove bacteria and viruses.

    7. Stay informed

       – Be aware of cholera outbreaks in your area or places you plan to visit.

       – Follow local health advisories and guidelines during an outbreak.

    8. Vaccination

    If you are travelling to an area with known cholera outbreaks, consider getting vaccinated. While the vaccine offers some protection, it is not 100% effective and should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures.

    By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting cholera and help maintain good health and hygiene.

  • Cholera kills seven in Delta

    Cholera kills seven in Delta

    •Spreads to eight councils

    Delta Health Commissioner, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, yesterday, said seven deaths, mainly children, were recorded following a cholera epidemic that struck eight local government areas.

    Onojaeme spoke in Asaba at a briefing on measures by the government to check the spread of the disease.

    He listed the local government areas as Warri South, Warri Southwest, Warri North, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Bomadi, Burutu and Patani.

    He said 138 cases were recorded in Warri Southwest during the first outbreak, adding that seven cases were detected in Bomadi and one in Oshimili South.

    According to him, in the past six weeks 20 cases were recorded in Warri South, adding that the cases are under control.

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    He described cholera as a disease resulting from poor hygiene, and described the  outbreak as a national challenge.

    Onojaeme said the first outbreak occurred in February in Warri Southwest LGA, leading to seven deaths, adding that during the second and third outbreaks no deaths were recorded.

    According to him, cholera is a infection spread by the consumption of infected water and food,  resulting in watery stool, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

  • Cholera: Club donates cleaning materials to market

    Cholera: Club donates cleaning materials to market

    Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club, Saturday, donated cleaning materials to Ipodo market in Ikeja, Lagos.

    President of the club, Lion Adeola Boluogun said the gesture was to equip the market with cleaning materials, baskets, brooms, brushes, packers.

    Boluogun said: “It’s a two-in-one project. Aside providing them with cleaning materials, we also came to enlighten them about the ongoing cholera outbreak and ways to prevent it.

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    “The cleaning materials are so that they would not have any excuse of operating in a filthy environment.

    “As for the cholera enlightenment, we told them steps to take to prevent the disease, such as washing their hands, cooking their food well, washing their water tanks regularly and ensuring general cleanliness. We also advised them to go to the hospital immediately if they see any symptoms of the disease.

    “We met with the Iyaloja, who received us with open arms. They sang for us, listened to our message and promised to put the materials to good use.”

  • Daini sensitises residents on Cholera outbreak

    Daini sensitises residents on Cholera outbreak

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has been sensitizing residents on cholera outbreak.

    The campaign which features health experts and officials educating residents on the causes, symptoms and preventive measures of Cholera, was led by the Chairman of the council, Olusesan Daini.

    The campaign also focused on promoting good hygiene practices, hand washing, sanitation, and clean water usage.

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    The council boss said the campaign was premised on the prevention of cholera in the community, urging adherence to the safety regulations.

    “We are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our residents, and this campaign is a crucial step in preventing the spread of cholera in our community. We urge everyone to join us in this effort and take the necessary precautions to stay safe,” he said.

    Daini added that the advocacy programme would be taken to all wards, schools, and markets in the council.

  • Cholera: Imminent arrival of vaccine excites FG

    Cholera: Imminent arrival of vaccine excites FG

    The Federal government has hailed the imminent arrival of the cholera vaccine to combat the ongoing outbreak.

    Praising Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for its efforts, the government expressed confidence that the intervention would be diligently and expeditiously implemented.

    Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, made this pledge on his microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) after learning about the upcoming vaccine delivery from the X account of Sania Nishtar, the CEO of Gavi, on Thursday.

    Nishtar had last month expressed the readiness of Gavi to assist Nigeria with the outbreak of the disease since the vaccine stock had been replenished.

    However, on Thursday, she said on her X handle, “Encouraged to learn that #Cholera vaccines from the #Gavi-funded global vaccine stockpile will soon arrive in Nigeria to help curb the country’s deadly and ongoing outbreak. We stand ready to work with our partners #UNICEF and #WHO to support Minister #muhammadpate, #Fmohnigeria, and #NCDCgov’s timely efforts to contain this outbreak and protect those at the highest risk.

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    “Despite the large number of cholera outbreaks this year, our stockpile is now fully replenished, and production continues at maximum capacity. We hope to keep supporting cholera-affected countries with their control plans. #stopcholera.”

    Pate’s reaction is likely linked to the country’s recent struggles with vaccine availability during a surge in cholera cases in June, considering the short shelf life and expiration period of the vaccine have discouraged stockpiling, leaving the country without supplies when needed.

  • Cholera kills 103 in 3,623 cases

    Cholera kills 103 in 3,623 cases

    •Outbreak in 34 states, FCT

    The cholera outbreak in Nigeria has claimed 103 lives from 3,623 suspected cases across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that the cases and deaths covered 187 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of July 15.

    Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina, and Zamfara states lead in the number of cases and fatalities, contributing 83 per cent to the overall burden of the disease.

    Despite this, the country has been recording declining cases and fatalities compared to preceding months when the outbreak was first recorded in 2024, the agency stated.

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    Yellow fever outbreak has also been recorded in Ekiti and Bayelsa states, with three cases and one death.

    In its June public health alert, the NCDC reported that between January and June 11, 2024, there were 30 deaths from 1,141 suspected cholera cases, with 65 confirmed cases across 96 councils in 30 states.

    While by that period, 15 States accounted for 90 per cent of the disease burden, by June 21, 2024, the number had risen to 34 deaths from 1,288 confirmed cases, with 15 states responsible for over 80 per cent of the cases.

    However, between June 21 and June 23, the figures surged to 53 deaths (an increase of 19 in three days) from 1,528 suspected cases across 107 councils in 31 states.

    In the June 23 update, Lagos led the 15 states that contributed 90 per cent of the disease burden, with 29 deaths.

    NCDC Director General Jide Idris, at a news conference yesterday, said the cholera cumulative case fatality rate since the beginning of the year stands at 2.8 per cent while predominant age affected is 5 years old. Males account for 52 per cent of cases and females account for the rest.

    Idris, however, announced a 5.6 per cent decline in the number of cases in this reporting week (8th -14th July) as compared to the preceding week.

    He added: “We also recorded a drop in the case fatality rate from 2.9 to 2.8 per cent. Definitely, there is a decline in case fatality rate from week 24 when the spike started to the present week.”

  • JUST IN: Cholera claims 103 lives in 34 states, FCT

    JUST IN: Cholera claims 103 lives in 34 states, FCT

    The cholera outbreak in Nigeria has claimed 103 lives from 3,623 suspected cases across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it emerged on Tuesday, July 16.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that the cases and deaths covered 187 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of July 15, 2024.

    Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina, and Zamfara states lead in the number of cases and fatalities, contributing 83% to the overall burden of the disease.

    Despite this, the nation has been recording declining cases and fatalities compared to preceding months when the outbreak was first recorded in 2024, the agency stated.

    Yellow fever outbreak has also been recorded in Ekiti and Bayelsa states with 3 cases and one death.

    Recall that in its June public health alert, the agency reported that between January and June 11, 2024, there were 30 deaths from 1,141 suspected cholera cases, with 65 confirmed cases across 96 LGAs in 30 states.

    While by that period, 15 States accounted for 90 percent of the disease burden, by June 21, 2024, the number had risen to 34 deaths from 1,288 confirmed cases, with 15 states responsible for over 80 percent of the cases.

    However, between June 21 and June 23, the figures surged to 53 deaths (an increase of 19 in three days) from 1,528 suspected cases across 107 LGAs in 31 states.

    In the June 23 update, Lagos led the 15 states that contributed 90 percent of the disease burden, with 29 deaths.

    NCDC Director General (DG), Jide Idris at a press briefing on Tuesday said the cholera cumulative case fatality rate since the beginning of the year stands at 2.8% while the predominant age affected is 5 years old while males account for 52% of cases and females account for the rest.

    He however announced that there was a 5.6% decline in the number of cases in this reporting week (8th -14th July) as compared to the preceding week.

    “We also recorded a drop in the case fatality rate from 2.9% to 2.8%. Definitely, there is a decline in case fatality rate from week 24 when the spike started to the present week,” he said.

    According to him, the improvement can be attributed to the concerted efforts of stakeholders and weather conditions in some parts of the country.

    The DG said: “Whereas ongoing current efforts at the national and some State levels might have been yielding some results and largely responsible for the decline being reported, however, given the trend from previous years, we know it is not uhuru yet.

    “The trend analysis from previous outbreaks shows the peak of the outbreak usually coincides with the peak of the rainy season, which is still some weeks ahead.

    “Also, some of the northern traditional hotspot States have been reporting fewer number of cases, which may be connected with the delayed onset of the rainy season in this part of the country.

    “Although almost all the States in Nigeria have reported cases of cholera, there appears to be an underreporting of the situation as required data from the states are not coming in real-time as expected given the trend in previous years.

    “This is largely due to inadequate resources to support surveillance and disease detection activities at the sub-national level.

    “Additionally this may likely be further complicated by the effect of political undertone for reporting cholera, which some see as a Stigma or disease proxy indicator for the inability of the affected communities/persons to have access to potable water and other basic amenities of life”.

    He however assured that NCDC would not relent in its efforts to prevent and mitigate the disease outbreak, saying, “NCDC is implementing the national incident action plan for the response, intensifying efforts targeted at supporting states to conduct active case search, optimize laboratory capacity, with prepositioning of cholera management supplies and capacity building in anticipation of possible surge ahead.

    “We have our eyes on the ball, as we continue to strengthen case management efforts to sustain the decline in fatality ratio until we report the global target CFR of less than 1%.

    “Using the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) we continue to lead the coordination, communication, and cooperation of all stakeholders involved in the national response. In addition, we have deployed national rapid response teams (NRRT) to the top 6 states contributing about 83% of cases.

    “The States are Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina and Zamfara States and plans are in place to deploy to more states, to strengthen surveillance system, improve case management, infection prevention and control and community engagement towards building community resilience.

    “We continue to monitor the trends and will escalate the required support as the situation demands”.

    Regarding yellow fever, Idris stated that the prevailing weather contributes to its outbreak and spread, adding, that maintaining good hygiene, among other measures, is an effective way to prevent the disease.

    “The disease, although preventable using a single dose of yellow fever vaccine which provides immunity for life; can lead to death within a few days if care is not sought early.

    “Currently, there are 3 presumptive positive cases which are reported from Ekiti (2) and Bayelsa (1) and 1 death.

    “1 confirmed case is generally considered an outbreak,” he noted.

    He also assured that the agency continues to monitor reports of yellow fever cases in Nigeria all year round, adding that due to the rainy season, it is also observing an increase in suspected cases.

    “In view of this we offer the following advice to the public, vaccination with the yellow fever vaccine provides life-long protection and is the most

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      important means of preventing yellow fever; use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing; clear surroundings of any stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed; ensure proper waste disposal and drainage maintenance; prompt reporting increases the chance of recovery,

    “If you experience sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, and vomiting, seek immediate medical attention at your nearest health facility”.

    He said COVID-19 is still present, although there are no current cases recorded in the country, saying, “COVID-19 is still with us, though we have deescalated the EOC, we continue to monitor and conduct analysis of surveillance data both international and across the country to guide public health response activities.

    “There has been a reported surge in cases in some countries of the world and we continue to advise the public to continue to adhere to the basic public health safety measures”.