Experts Warn of Cholera Spread During Eid-el-Kabir Celebrations

Medical experts have warned that the latest cholera outbreak could spread to many communities and states during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration if necessary measures are not taken.

Increased travel during the holiday season might lead to a rise in cholera cases, according to separate interviews conducted by Media.

The Lagos State Government has already confirmed 15 deaths from the infection. Cholera, caused by ingesting the bacteria Vibrio cholerae in contaminated water and food, has been spreading rapidly.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) also issued a warning about the increasing trend of cholera cases as the rainy season intensifies. From January 1 to June 11, 2024, over 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases, resulting in more than 30 deaths, were reported across 96 LGAs in 30 states.

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The 10 states most affected include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.

Cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease in Nigeria, occurring mostly during the rainy season and in areas with poor sanitation. In 2022, 473,000 cholera cases were reported to the WHO, double the number from 2021, with an estimated increase of 700,000 cases in 2023.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a total of 145,900 cholera cases and 1,766 deaths from 24 countries across five regions, with Africa recording the highest numbers.

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Speaking about the potential spread during the Sallah celebration, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, highlighted the risk posed by increased travel.

He stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and promptly taking patients with symptoms to healthcare facilities.

Dr. Tunji Akintade, former Chairman of the Association of Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, noted that open defecation could contaminate water sources and spread the disease.

He emphasized the importance of personal and environmental hygiene to prevent infection.

Dr. Ibrahim Kuranga-Suleiman, Head of the Family Medicine Department at the University of Ilorin, reiterated the need for thorough hygiene practices, especially during travel, to prevent cholera and travel-related diarrhoea.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, emphasized prevention as key to combating cholera, urging improved sanitation and access to clean water.

He noted the correlation between heavy rains, flooding, and the spread of cholera due to contaminated water sources.

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) also called for vigilance, highlighting the need for collective efforts to prioritize health and safety during the Sallah celebration.

In Lagos, the state government confirmed 17 cholera cases out of 350 suspected cases across 29 wards, with 15 fatalities.

The government activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to address the outbreak, and the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, urged residents to maintain strict hygiene measures and report symptoms promptly.

The Ogun State government also urged residents to adopt precautionary measures to prevent a cholera outbreak, given its proximity to Lagos and the high interaction between the two states.

Measures include ensuring functional public toilets with running water in homes, petrol stations, markets, mechanic villages, and schools.

By taking these precautionary measures, the spread of cholera can be curbed, ensuring a safer and healthier environment during the festive season.