Nigeria: NCDC warns about cholera surge and other outbreaks

During a press conference in Abuja, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, expressed concern over the increase of cholera cases nationwide. As of April 28, over 1100 suspected cases and 30 deaths have been reported in several states, with Bayelsa, Lagos, Abia, and Zamfara among the most affected. According to Idris, the causes of the outbreak are poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water, and open defecation. He said the NCDC is cooperating with state and federal authorities to strengthen surveillance, improve access to oral rehydration therapy, and promote hygiene education.
During the press conference, Idris also talked about other disease outbreaks affecting the country. On Lassa fever, he reported a decline in cases but warned that the disease remained endemic in states such as Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi. On Mpox, he reported recent cases in Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory. While there have been no recorded deaths in April, the virus continues spreading through close contact with infected persons. On Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), Idris confirmed that the main outbreak is in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Yobe states, mostly affecting children and young adults. Vaccination campaigns are underway in affected areas, supported by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Gavi.
In response to the outbreaks, Idris urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and early medical attention when feeling ill. He also called for a rational use of antibiotics, warning that their misuse in choler and Lassa fever treatment could worsen antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and hinder the management of future disease outbreaks.