Cholera Outbreak: 33 States Battle 2,102 Cases as NYSC Enforces Strict Camp Rules

Abuja, July 2, 2024 – The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has confirmed a severe cholera outbreak across Nigeria, with 2,102 suspected cases and 63 deaths recorded in 33 states and 122 local government areas. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has responded by implementing strict guidelines in orientation camps to prevent the spread of the disease.

Rising Cholera Cases: Dr. Idris announced that the outbreak has escalated, with cases rising from 1,579 and 54 deaths in 32 states to 2,102 and 63 deaths in 33 states within a week. The disease has notably affected Lagos, Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, and Nasarawa.

Primary Causes: Cholera, a highly contagious disease caused by ingesting contaminated food and water, has spread rapidly due to poor sanitation and the onset of the rainy season, leading to flooding and compromised water sources.

NCDC’s Strategic Response:

• Emergency Operations Centre (EOC): Activated to coordinate response efforts, mobilize resources, and provide strategic coordination.
• Preventative Measures: Include assessment of cholera readiness in hotspots, provision of guidelines and advisories, distribution of medical supplies, and public health awareness campaigns.

NYSC’s Proactive Measures:

• Strict Camp Rules: Implemented rigorous sanitation protocols, screened food vendors and kitchen staff, and provided hand-washing facilities and educational materials in orientation camps.
• Regional Efforts: Various states have taken specific measures to ensure camp safety:
  • South-West: Comprehensive hygiene measures in Osun State Orientation Camp.
  • Gombe State: Daily hygiene sensitisation and strategic placement of hand-washing containers and waste baskets.
  • Sokoto State: Collaboration with health officials and screening of camp consumables and individuals.
  • Benue State: Screening and educating food vendors, and providing hand-washing facilities and awareness jingles.
  • Kwara State: Fumigation and clearing of Yikpata Orientation Camp to prevent disease outbreak.

State and Federal Actions:

• Kogi State: Confirmed two cholera cases in Lokoja and Omala LGAs, with a response team set up to investigate and treat cases.
• Oyo State: Inaugurated the Cholera Technical Working Group to coordinate multi-sectoral cholera prevention and response efforts.
• House of Representatives: Urged the Federal Government to implement measures to curb the outbreak, mandated public education on hygiene, and called for an investigation into the outbreak’s root causes.

Conclusion: Nigeria’s cholera outbreak demands coordinated efforts from the NCDC, NYSC, state governments, and federal authorities. The proactive measures in NYSC orientation camps and the comprehensive response strategy from the NCDC are crucial in managing the outbreak and safeguarding public health.