A virologist and public health expert, Solomon Chollom, says inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, rather than lack of community awareness, drives recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria.

Mr Chollom said this on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to the ongoing cholera outbreak in Plateau state, which has claimed five lives and left dozens infected in the Mangu local council.

The expert said that although awareness campaigns had improved public understanding of cholera prevention, many communities still lacked access to clean water and sanitation facilities needed to translate knowledge into action.

“Knowledge is not the problem; infrastructure is. People know they should drink clean water, wash their hands and maintain proper hygiene, but many communities do not have the facilities and services required to practise these measures consistently,” he said.

According to him, cholera thrives where access to potable water, effective sewage systems and proper waste management is limited.

He said that the rainy season further increased the risk of outbreaks by contaminating water sources and spreading disease-causing organisms across communities.

He said the situation in Plateau underscored the need for long-term investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The virologist commended the Plateau government for activating emergency response measures, including treatment centres, rapid response teams and the provision of medical supplies.

He said that sustainable infrastructure development remained the key to preventing future outbreaks.

“We must move from reacting to outbreaks to preventing them. That means ensuring that communities have reliable access to clean water, proper drainage systems and adequate sanitation facilities,” he said.

He also urged residents of affected communities to adhere to public health advisories by treating drinking water, maintaining personal hygiene and seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting occur.

He warned that delays in seeking treatment often increased the risk of severe illness and death, especially among vulnerable populations.

The Plateau government recently announced five deaths, 11 laboratory-confirmed cases and 53 suspected cholera infections in Mangu.

The outbreak has affected Pushit, Mangu One and Mangu Two communities, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance, case management and community sensitisation efforts to contain its spread.

Health officials have warned that continued rainfall and flooding could accelerate the outbreak to neighbouring communities if preventive measures are not strictly observed.

(NAN)