The Nigeria Centre for Illness Management and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public well being advisory following a major rise in cholera instances throughout 30 Native Authorities Areas (LGAs) in 9 states.
Throughout a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, NCDC Director-Common, Dr. Jide Idris, expressed deep concern over the escalating variety of infections.
He emphasised that the onset of the wet season might worsen the state of affairs, posing a severe public well being menace.
“As of April 28, 2025, over 1,141 suspected cholera instances and 30 deaths have been reported throughout a number of states, with Bayelsa, Lagos, Abia, and Zamfara among the many most affected,” he mentioned.
Dr. Idris attributed the cholera outbreak to poor sanitation, restricted entry to wash water, and widespread open defecation. He highlighted these as key components exacerbating the present state of affairs.
Collaborative efforts to deal with the outbreak
He famous that the NCDC is working intently with state governments, the Federal Ministry of Water Assets, and growth companions to strengthen illness surveillance, increase entry to oral rehydration remedy, and promote hygiene schooling.
Offering an replace on Lassa fever, Idris reported a decline in weekly instances however cautioned that the illness stays persistent in endemic states similar to Edo, Ondo, and Bauchi.
He urged vigilance, stating, “We should not chill out. The virus continues to be circulating within the rodent inhabitants.”
Dr. Idris additionally famous ongoing transmission of Mpox, with latest instances reported in Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory. Whereas no deaths have been recorded prior to now month, he added that the virus continues to unfold by way of shut contact.
Cerebrospinal Meningitis outbreaks reported
Concerning Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), Idris reported outbreaks in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Yobe states, primarily affecting kids and younger adults. He confirmed that vaccination campaigns are at present underway in high-burden areas, supported by the Nationwide Major Well being Care Growth Company (NPHCDA) and Gavi.
Dr. Idris additional emphasised the pressing want for the rational use of antibiotics in managing the continuing outbreaks, warning that misuse, particularly within the remedy of cholera and Lassa fever might exacerbate antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
“We should remind our well being employees and communities that not each sickness requires antibiotics,” he mentioned.
He cautioned that inappropriate antibiotic use throughout outbreaks is a silent pandemic that would undermine our means to deal with infections sooner or later.
Preventive measures and collective duty
Dr. Idris urged Nigerians to undertake preventive measures similar to common hand washing, correct waste disposal, and in search of early medical consideration when signs of any listed ailments are noticed.
He emphasised that public well being is a shared duty and known as on the media and civil society teams to help danger communication and group engagement efforts.
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