The Nigeria Centre for Disease and Prevention Control (NCDC) has registered 210 new suspected cases of cholera and 10 deaths across the country from July 31 to August 27.

The NCDC said this via its official website in its latest monthly situation report on cholera, covering epidemiological (EP) weeks 31 to 34.

Cholera is primarily transmitted through contaminated water and food and is commonly found in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

The public health agency said the suspected cases and deaths of cholera in 2023 have decreased by 63 and 67 per cent, respectively, compared to what was reported at Epidemiological Week 34 in 2022.

It said that on August 27, 2023, the country registered 84 suspected deaths and 2,860 suspected cases across 25 states, representing a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 2.9 per cent.

“Cumulatively, it shows that six states: Cross River (718 cases), Katsina (302 cases), Bayelsa (265 cases), Ebonyi (227 cases), Niger (136 cases), and Abia (118 cases) account for 62 per cent of the suspected cases in 2023,” it said.

According to it, in eight states that reported 210 suspected cases, Zamfara in the North-West topped the infection chart with 190 cases, followed by Kano and Bayelsa with seven and five, respectively.

Also, Bauchi, Niger, and Borno states reported two cases each, followed by Gombe and Adamawa states with one each.

The agency noted that 21 Cholera Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) were conducted with nine positive results (Zamfara–8 and Bayelsa–1), while 26 stool culture tests were conducted with three positive results.

The NCDC said the national multi-sectoral cholera TWG continues to monitor responses across states.

Several measures can be taken, including ensuring clean and safe drinking water access to prevent cholera. If the water source is questionable, it can be treated by boiling, using water disinfectant tablets, or using a water filter.

Others are practising good hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before handling or consuming food, and ensuring that foods are thoroughly cooked especially seafood.

(NAN)