Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria: Over 55 Dead, Vaccine Shortage Intensifies Crisis - Thailand Medical News

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Medical News: Nigeria is currently grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, claiming over 55 lives, with no cholera vaccines left in the country. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that the country is experiencing a critical shortage of cholera vaccines amidst the escalating health crisis. Dr Jide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, confirmed that Nigeria has placed orders for more vaccines from donor agencies, although the delivery date remains uncertain.

Alarming Statistics from Lagos and Ogun States

The outbreak is particularly severe in Lagos State, where the state Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, announced that the cholera incidence rate had risen to 417 suspected cases, with 35 confirmed cases and 24 deaths. In a social media post, Prof. Abayomi urged residents to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to curb the spread of the disease.

He identified the most affected areas in Lagos State, including Agege, Badagry, Ikeja, Mushin, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, Alimosho, and Eti-Osa, among others. The situation is equally dire in Ogun State, where Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, reported one death and 14 confirmed cases.

Nationwide, the cholera outbreak has resulted in 1,222 suspected cases, 88 confirmed cases, and 55 fatalities since the start of 2024.

Understanding Cholera and Its Spread

Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae in contaminated water and food. The NCDC has recently alerted the public to the increasing trend of cholera cases as the rainy season progresses, which exacerbates the spread of the disease due to flooding and contamination of water sources.

From January 1 to June 11, 2024, the NCDC recorded 1,141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 30 deaths from cholera across 96 local government areas in 30 states. However, in the last 10 days, cases have exploded, bringing the infection cases up and also the fatalities which now stands at 55. The states contributing 90% of the cholera burden include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.

Historical Data and Global Perspective

Historically, cholera has been a recurring issue in Nigeria. In 2021, the country recorded 111,062 suspected cases and 3,604 deaths across 435 local government areas. The numbers slightly decreased in subsequent years, with 23,763 suspected cases and 592 deaths in 2022, and 3,683 suspected cases and 128 deaths in 2023.

Globally, cholera cases have been rising. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 473,000 cholera cases, a 100% increase from 2021. The estimated cases rose by 700,000 in 2023. The latest WHO data shows 145,900 cholera cases and 1,766 deaths reported from 24 countries across five WHO regions, with Africa recording the highest numbers.

Efforts to Curb the Outbreak

In response to the outbreak, the NCDC has formed a multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, comprising the Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, to support the affected states.

Dr Idris emphasized the importance of vaccines and other preventive measures to control the spread of cholera. He noted that while the National Primary Health Care Development Agency is h andling the vaccine issue, there is an urgent need for more vaccines. However, he acknowledged that the demand for cholera vaccines globally far exceeds the supply.

Preventive Measures and Expert Advice

To prevent the spread of cholera, Dr Idris highlighted the need for a combination of vaccines and preventive measures. He advised maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, such as boiling water before drinking, washing hands after using the toilet, and before preparing food. He stressed that these measures are crucial in curbing the outbreak.

Public health experts, including Professor Tanimola Akande and consultant physician Dr Kenechukwu Igwegbe, have urged Nigerians to consider cholera vaccination as a preventive measure. They explained that while cholera vaccines are not as popular as others, they provide essential protection, especially during outbreaks. The WHO has prequalified three oral cholera vaccines: Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol-Plus®, each requiring two doses for full protection.

https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/diseases/cholera

Unregistered Tiger Nuts Drink Linked to Outbreak

According to local Medical News reports, it was revealed that the Lagos State Government traced the cholera outbreak in Eti-Osa Local Government Area to an unregistered tiger nuts drink. Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, revealed that the drink was identified as a common factor among cholera patients. The drink was not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, raising concerns about its safety and quality.

Nigerian Correctional Service's Proactive Measures

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intensified efforts to prevent a cholera outbreak within its facilities. Abubakar Umar, the spokesperson for NCoS, outlined rigorous healthcare measures in place, including a comprehensive system of medical professionals and consistent medical supplies to ensure the well-being of inmates and staff.

Conclusion: The Need for Comprehensive Action

The cholera outbreak in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action, including vaccination, improved hygiene practices, and better access to clean water. While the NCDC and other health agencies are working tirelessly to manage the crisis, the situation underscores the importance of proactive planning and international support to prevent future outbreaks.

For more updates on the Cholera crisis in Nigeria, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.

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