Angela Onwuzoo
As the federal and state governments battle to contain the spread of the cholera outbreak, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has urged Nigerians to desist from self-medication.
NCDC warned that severe cases of cholera could lead to death within hours due to dehydration from massive fluid loss.
The health agency advised people experiencing diarrhoea to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-medication.
It urged state governments to prioritise actions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in communities.
The call was contained in a comprehensive advisory released to the public, healthcare workers, and state governments on mitigating the spread of cholera.
Cholera is a highly contagious food and water-borne disease. It spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing.
Symptoms of cholera include acute, painless watery diarrhea of sudden onset, with or without vomiting. It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever.
NCDC reported 1,141 suspected cases of cholera, with 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states from January 1 to June 11.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health, on Saturday, confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in the state, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.
The NCDC highlighted that 10 states comprising Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos State account for 90 per cent of the cholera burden in the country.
The centre explained that cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by vibrio cholerae, ingested through contaminated water and food.
Water contamination usually results from the faeces of infected individuals, occurring during water collection, transportation, or storage at home.
It noted that the populations that are at risk are those with limited access to clean water, poor sanitation, and hygiene, consumers of potentially contaminated food or fruits without proper washing and cooking, and healthcare workers providing direct patient care without standard precautions.
However, the NCDC pointed out that of most infected individuals, about 80 per cent may show mild symptoms or be asymptomatic.
It advised people to avoid raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood.
“Protect cooked food and boiled water from contamination by flies and unsanitary handling. Leftover food should be reheated thoroughly before consumption,” NCDC said.
The health agency said that persons experiencing diarrhoea should avoid preparing or serving food or hauling water for others to prevent the spread of the infection.
“Avoid open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse. Proper disposal of waste and regular clearing of sewage are essential.
“Anyone experiencing sudden watery diarrhoea should seek immediate medical attention and refrain from self-medication.
“Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration from massive fluid loss”, the centre said.
NCDC advised Nigerians to always practice standard safety precautions, such as wearing gloves when handling patients or providing care to ill individuals.
The health agency said that people should intensify efforts to promptly report suspected cholera cases to facilitate timely intervention.
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