NCDC ACTIVATES A NATIONAL CHOLERA MULTI-SECTORAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE 24-06-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, has activated a National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate the cholera outbreak response in the country.
The Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris said the activation of the Centre was to underscore the gravity of the situation of cholera as well as to protect the health and wellbeing of citizens.
While briefing journalists in Abuja on the cholera epidemiological situation in the country, Dr. Idris disclosed that 53 deaths and 1,528 suspected cases of cholera had been recorded across 31 states in 107 local government areas with a case fatality rate of 3.5% since the beginning of 2024.
He urged citizens to practice proper hygiene and safety precautionary measures to ensure that they do not contact the disease.
“The time between infection and the appearance of symptoms is 2 hours to 5 days. It has a higher risk of transmission in areas that lack adequate sanitation facilities. Unsafe practices such as improper disposal of refuse and open defecation endanger the safety of water used for drinking and personal use.”
Dr. Idris also advised individuals and health workers to avoid self medication but report suspected cases of cholera to various health departments.
He maintained that the Centre would support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, mobilise resources from partners and stakeholders at all levels of government.
Dr. Idris further stated that an incident manager had been appointed to coordinate day to day activities involving several pillars such as surveillance, case management, oral cholera vaccine issues, logistics and research.