Health and Well-being: Cholera in Nigeria,a growing health crisis

Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae . It is an acute diarrheal infection that can lead to death if left untreated .
It remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.It is a disease of poverty affecting people with inadequate access to safe water and basic sanitation which can kill within hours if left untreated.

There are roughly 2.9 million cases of cholera each year, resulting in approximately 95,000 deaths worldwide, mainly in low and middle-income countries. Since the first cholera outbreak, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cases in African countries such as Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Throughout history, cholera outbreaks have plagued almost every continent, with developing countries being the hardest hit due to a high level of poverty. In Africa alone, 40 million people living in cholera-endemic areas are at risk of frequent outbreaks. As such, cholera remains a significant public health concern, often linked to the lack of access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and poor access to the oral cholera vaccine (OCV)
The first series of cholera outbreaks in Nigeria was reported between 1970 and 1990 [9]. Major epidemics also occurred in 1992, 1995–1996, and 1997. Since then, the disease has become seasonal and occurs every year, mainly during the rainy season and in areas with poor sanitation.

On June 9, 2024, the Lagos State Government reported a cholera outbreak with 324 suspected cases, 15 deaths and 40 discharges. The government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases in multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State . The laboratory investigation confirmed Cholera subtype O-1, associated with more severe disease .
As of June 11, 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases were recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024 .
The 10 states that recorded 90% of the cases include Bayelsa, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara, and others .

Cholera is highly contagious. It can be transferred from person to person by infected fecal matter entering a mouth or by water or food contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The organisms can survive well in salty waters and can contaminate humans and other organisms that contact or swim in the water. Possible symptoms include mild to severe watery diarrhea (loose stool/poop), vomiting, and dehydration (loss of water in the body causing weakness or dizziness). The symptoms may appear from a few hours to five days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

However, researchers have pointed out that the long-term solution for cholera control lies in economic development and universal access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation . A combination of surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene, social mobilization, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines can be used to control cholera .

Here are some basic steps to help prevent cholera :
– Washing your hands with soap and safe water
– Drinking treated water
– Getting vaccinated against cholera
– Avoiding food from street vendors or stalls
– Avoiding raw or undercooked meat and seafood
– Avoiding unpeeled fruits and vegetables.

In summary, this waterborne disease can be so dreadful, poising severe detrimental effects to one’s health. Precautionary measures must be put in place to curb it prevalence hence anyone who thinks they might have been exposed to cholera, especially if they have early symptoms of the disease, should seek medical care emergently. Do not wait until symptoms become more severe. The earlier fluids and electrolytes are replenished, the more likely the individual will not develop severe symptoms, have a prolonged hospital stay, or die.

Written by Oboh Promise,
(Obiwannem News Correspondent from Akwa ibom state),
Date: June 21, 2024
Ubochi Afo Ani
Published by Ngozi Odoh (Obinwannem Nsukka Office Secretary)