By Aishat Adebayo
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), a total of 1,528 suspected cholera cases and 53 fatalities have been reported across 31 states and 107 local government areas in 2024. The NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, announced this during a press briefing on the cholera outbreak in the country. As of June 24, 2024, the case fatality rate stands at 3.5%. Dr. Idris emphasized that these numbers represent real individuals, including family members, healthcare workers, and community members, who have lost their lives to the disease. He noted that the situation is particularly concerning as the rainy season intensifies, increasing the risk of cholera transmission and impact. In response to the outbreak, the Federal Government has activated the National Emergency Operation Centre for cholera to coordinate the response efforts. The NCDC is working closely with state and local health authorities to contain the spread of the disease.