Cholera: NCDC Activates Emergency Response As Disease Spreads To 31 States

As cholera spreads to more states across the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in the country.

The director – general of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said the decision to activate the Cholera EOC underscores the gravity of the situation and the centre‘s unwavering commitment to protect the health and well-being of every Nigerian.

The DG who spoke at a press conference on Abuja,  said “The EOC will serve as the nerve center for the coordination of response across the country, it will also support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, mobilise resources, expertise, and support from across the NCDC, our partners, and stakeholders at all levels of government.

“It will ensure efficient deployment of needed resources, strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity and capabilities, enhance case management, training and intensify public awareness and community engagement activities,” he explained.

As at June 24, Nigeria recorded 1,528 suspected cases of cholera and 53 deaths across 31 States and 107 local government areas (LGAs).

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Cholera is a food and water-borne disease, caused by the ingestion of the organism Vibrio Cholerae in contaminated water and food.

Water is usually contaminated by the faeces of infected individuals, adding that contamination of drinking water can occur at the source, during transportation, or during storage at home.

Food may also be contaminated by soiled hands, either during preparation or while eating.

Beverages or drinks prepared with contaminated water or sold by street vendors, ice, and even tampered commercially-bottled water are known to spread the disease, as have cooked vegetables and fruits freshened with untreated wastewater, said NCDC.

Dr, Jide has therefore called on all stakeholders to stem the tide of the outbreak and redouble their efforts to contain the spread and prevent further loss of lives.