- There has been a cholera outbreak in Nigeria since January, with many reported cases
- About 30 people have died from the disease, as declared by the NCDC
- Here are the causes, symptoms and preventive measures to consider.
As Nigerians struggle with many challenges in the country, ranging from inflation, insecurity, and kidnapping, among others, a public health emergency has been thrown in the mix - a cholera outbreak.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), there have been 65 confirmed cases, 1,141 suspected cases and 30 deaths due to the increasing cases of Cholera throughout the nation.
NCDC’s Director-General mentioned that “An outbreak in Lagos State has recently been reported. From January 1 to June 11, 2024, a total of 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera with 30 deaths have been reported from 96 local government areas in 30 states.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes cholera as an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated and is also a disease of poverty affecting people with inadequate access to safe water and basic sanitation.
It is hard not to wonder how this deadly disease can be prevented and the symptoms people should look out for.
What causes cholera?
According to the WHO, the transmission of cholera is related to the inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. It is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae.
Some healthcare professionals took to social media to educate people on the causes of cholera.
A pharmacist, @zizelle_, posted: “… the sources of cholera include well water, raw seafood, raw fruits and vegetables, and faeces of an infected person…”
Symptoms of Cholera
According to the WHO, some people are asymptomatic but can infect others as the bacteria is present in their faeces for 1 to 10 days, while others are not. For people who have symptoms, they develop watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration, which can lead to death if untreated.
The symptoms of cholera include diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration.
How to prevent cholera
Speaking on how to prevent cholera, @zizelle_ advised in her post: “Wash your fruits and veggies thoroughly before eating, don’t buy food from roadside vendors, boil your water or stick to bottled water, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and after using the toilet, eat your food hot. Maintain proper sanitation and dispose your waste properly.”
Another healthcare professional, Dr Sina with the handle @the_beardedsina, advised Nigerians to keep hydrated and to go to the hospital the moment they have any symptoms of cholera.
He posted: “Please take this cholera outbreak seriously. If you are vomiting, purging or having any diarrhoea, please take a lot of fluids and head right away to the hospital.
"Everyone should try and have Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) just in case. It is available over the counter, even some organisations give freely.
"Cholera can be treated easily but the problem is when someone is losing a lot of fluid from vomiting and diarrhoea and doesn’t replace it.
"The body becomes depleted of water and essential chemicals necessary. This can cause kidney damage, shock, a total shutdown of the systems and organ damage which are major causes of death. Have an ORS!...”