As the rainy season approaches, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health alert over a potential spike in cholera cases across the country, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris raised alarm over increasing cholera transmission risks, especially in communities with poor access to clean water and sanitation facilities. He warned that this year’s flood forecast—impacting 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—could intensify outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
“As we approach the peak of the rainy season, a concerning trend in cholera transmission is emerging,” Dr. Idris said.
According to the NCDC, 134 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been identified as cholera hotspots and prioritized for multisectoral intervention, including potential Rapid Response Team deployment.
Citing the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, Dr. Idris noted that over 1,200 communities in 176 LGAs are considered high-risk flood zones, while an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs are moderately at risk. He emphasized that localized flood risk data is being shared to aid proactive responses at federal, state, and community levels.
As of epidemiological week 16 (ending April 20, 2025), Nigeria has recorded 1,307 suspected cholera cases across 30 states and 98 LGAs, with 34 reported deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 2.6%—well above the target rate of less than 1%.
Cholera is a highly contagious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, primarily spread through contaminated food and water. Without prompt treatment, it can be fatal.
Dr. Idris offered practical health guidelines to reduce the risk of infection:
- Boil water before drinking and store it in clean, covered containers.
- Practice regular handwashing with soap under running water.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable.
- Ensure food is well cooked and protected from flies and contamination.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with safe water.
- Reheat leftover food properly and avoid open defecation and improper waste disposal.
“If you or someone you know experiences sudden watery diarrhea, do not self-medicate. Please visit the nearest healthcare facility immediately,” he urged.
He also called on state governments to scale up emergency preparedness, especially in anticipation of displacement from flooding, and advised health workers to maintain strict infection prevention protocols and report suspected cases promptly to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs).
Mpox and Lassa Fever Updates
Dr. Idris also provided updates on other ongoing disease outbreaks. Between January and April 2025, Nigeria recorded 723 suspected Mpox cases, with 136 confirmed across 27 states and the FCT.
In the case of Lassa fever, a notable decline has been observed. Confirmed cases dropped from 41 to 10 in epidemiological week 16, with only three deaths reported. Cumulatively, Nigeria has recorded:
- 4,253 suspected cases
- 696 confirmed cases
- 132 deaths
- Case Fatality Rate: 19%
The NCDC continues to coordinate national surveillance and response efforts across all infectious disease threats and urges the public to stay alert and adhere to public health advisories
