Cholera, Yellow Fever Cases Hit 3,626, 104 Deaths

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it has recorded 3,623 suspected cases of cholera and 103 deaths across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

NCDC also said Ekiti and Bayelsa States have reported three presumptive positive cases of yellow fever (Ekiti 2, Bayelsa 1) and one death.

These bring cholera and yellow fever cases to 3,626 and 104 Deaths

The centre said 187 local government areas (LGAs) across the country are affected, with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8 percent since the beginning of the year.

Its director-general, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said Enugu and Plateau States are the only two states that have not reported cholera cases since this year.
He said six states namely: Lagos, Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Katsina and Zamfara account for 83 percent of the total cases “As of July 15, 2024, we have recorded 3,623 suspected cases and, unfortunately, 103 deaths across 34 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 187 local government areas (LGAs), with a cumulative case fatality rate of 2.8 percent since the beginning of the year.

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“The predominant age affected is five years old, while males account for 52% of cases and females account for the rest,” Idris said.

However, the DG noted that there was a 5.6 percent decline in the number of cases in the reporting week (8th -14th July) as compared to the preceding week.
He also said there was a drop in the case fatality rate from 2.9 percent to 2.8 percent.

“There is a decline in case fatality rate from week 24, when the spike started, to the present week.

“While ongoing efforts at the national and some state levels might have yielded some results and are largely responsible for the decline being reported, given the trend from previous years, we know it is not Uhuru yet,” said Dr. Idris.

Speaking further, the DG accused some states of politicising the outbreak, adding that the situation is underreported due to inadequate resources.

“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 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 effect of political undertone for reporting cholera, which some see as a Stigma or disease proxy indicator for inability of the affected communities/persons to have access to potable water and other basic amenities of life,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Idris said that the NCDC has deployed national rapid response teams (NRRT) to the top six states contributing about 83 percent of cases. Idris said yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

Idris said yellow fever, 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.

He listed the symptoms as fever, chills, headache, back pain, body aches, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), and bleeding from the mouth, nose, and eyes.

The NCDC boss, advised the public on vaccination against yellow fever.

“Vaccination with the yellow fever vaccine provides life-long protection and is the most important means of preventing yellow fever.

He urged people to use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing. They should also clear their surroundings of stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. They should ensure proper waste disposal and drainage maintenance.

Idris said, “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.”