The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that Nigeria’s cholera outbreak is not yet over, despite a notable drop in weekly infections.
The agency said more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases have been reported across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas so far this year.
The NCDC cautioned that cases could rise again between late August and October as the rainy season continues. It said flooding, contaminated water sources and poor sanitation could undermine recent progress in controlling the disease.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, issued the warning on Friday, saying the reduction in cholera-related deaths was encouraging but should not lead to complacency.
“Cholera transmission is ongoing, and we must therefore consolidate the gains made so far and prevent another rise in cases,” Idris said.
According to Idris, previous outbreaks have shown that cholera can reach a peak around this period, especially when flooding contaminates water supplies and puts additional pressure on sanitation systems.
Diphtheria Cases Surpass 10,000
The NCDC chief also disclosed that Nigeria has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases this year.
Although the case fatality rate has fallen significantly compared with the same period last year, Idris identified Kano, Borno and Bauchi among the states experiencing a particularly high burden.
He attributed the continued spread of the vaccine-preventable disease largely to gaps in immunisation coverage.
“The central issue is that too many children remain unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated,” he said.
Idris said vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, displacement, population movements and difficulties accessing underserved communities continue to hamper efforts to protect children against diphtheria.
NCDC Warns Against Overreliance on Treatment
Idris stressed that treatment alone cannot eliminate cholera, pointing to unsafe water, open defecation, damaged water infrastructure and poor sanitation in schools, markets and other public areas as key drivers of transmission.
“While treatment saves lives, we cannot treat our way out of cholera,” he said.
He noted that early access to medical care has improved outcomes, particularly in Borno State, which has recorded the highest number of cholera cases this year.
The NCDC said it is working with state governments and development partners to strengthen the response through disease surveillance, laboratory support, case management, infection prevention and control, community engagement and the deployment of National Rapid Response Teams to affected areas.
Cholera Response Intensified in High-Risk Areas
The response to cholera includes investigations into possible sources of transmission, water-quality testing, chlorination, rehabilitation of water sources, hygiene campaigns and oral cholera vaccination in communities with high infection rates.
In Borno, NCDC teams have assessed water supply points to identify problems relating to water quality, sanitation and chlorination.
In Bauchi, authorities have established oral rehydration points, expanded treatment capacity and intensified efforts to identify active cases.
For diphtheria, reactive vaccination campaigns are being carried out in affected communities alongside case detection, treatment and the distribution of essential laboratory and medical supplies.
However, Idris stressed that federal intervention alone would not be enough to end the outbreaks.
He called on state and local governments to provide additional resources for high-risk communities and strengthen local response systems.
NCDC Calls for Urgent Vaccination and Better Sanitation
Idris urged governments to prioritise access to safe water and sanitation, repair damaged water infrastructure, tackle open defecation and ensure that vulnerable communities have access to functional treatment and emergency response services.
On diphtheria, he called for stronger routine and targeted immunisation programmes and urged authorities to identify children who have missed recommended vaccine doses.
“Many of the interventions that will make the greatest difference must happen in our states, Local Government Areas, health facilities, communities and homes,” Idris said.
The NCDC director-general also urged healthcare workers to maintain a high level of suspicion for both diseases, report suspected cases quickly and strictly follow infection prevention and control procedures.
He advised Nigerians to begin oral rehydration as soon as someone develops frequent watery diarrhoea and to seek medical attention immediately.
Parents and caregivers were also encouraged to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria. Idris stressed that the vaccines are safe, effective and available free of charge through routine immunisation services and vaccination campaigns.
The NCDC further appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to help tackle misinformation and promote preventive health measures.
“If we act early, sustain the response and work together, we can prevent infections, save lives and bring these outbreaks under control,” Idris said.
