The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarm over a worrying resurgence of cholera infections across the country, confirming 1,307 suspected cases and 34 associated deaths recorded in 30 states and 98 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of April 20, 2025. The national Case Fatality Rate (CFR) now stands at 2.6 per cent—more than double the acceptable threshold of less than one per cent.
Speaking at the National Health Security Press Briefing in Abuja, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris warned that Nigeria is entering a high-risk period as the rainy season intensifies, further aggravating the transmission of waterborne diseases like cholera. He noted that the disease remains endemic in Nigeria, particularly in densely populated, low-income areas with poor access to potable water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.
Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, primarily transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or water. Dr. Idris highlighted that exposure to untreated water—especially from open defecation or poor refuse disposal practices—significantly increases the risk of infection. “Unsafe practices like open defecation, improper waste disposal, and poor personal hygiene continue to endanger lives,” he said.
The disease manifests as acute, painless, watery diarrhea—often described as “rice water stools”—and may be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and fever. In severe cases, dehydration can set in rapidly, leading to death within hours if treatment is delayed.
According to the NCDC, most infected individuals (about 80%) may show mild or no symptoms, complicating early detection and increasing the risk of silent transmission in communities.
Dr. Idris emphasized that cholera prevention hinges on access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and consistent hygiene practices such as regular handwashing. Street-vended food, uncooked vegetables, seafood, and contaminated beverages remain major culprits in cholera outbreaks.
The most at-risk populations include:
Residents of slum communities or rural areas relying on surface water sources
People with limited access to sanitation infrastructure
Health workers and caregivers without adequate infection control measures
Displaced populations and those affected by floods and overcrowded living conditions
To strengthen readiness and early containment, the NCDC has launched cholera preparedness workshops across the South-West and North-West regions, with upcoming sessions in other geopolitical zones. “We are also deploying rapid response teams, prepositioning test kits and treatment supplies, and updating risk communication strategies in all 36 states and the FCT,” said Dr. Idris.
A total of 134 cholera-prone LGAs have been prioritized for multisectoral intervention. States are also being evaluated for outbreak preparedness, and the NCDC is coordinating closely with state ministries and international health partners to ensure a robust and timely response.
The agency has disseminated treatment guidelines nationwide, encouraging early use of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and appropriate antibiotics, which significantly reduce the risk of fatality when administered promptly.
Dr. Idris called for greater collaboration between government agencies, community leaders, and citizens to halt the spread of the disease. He advised the public to:
Boil drinking water and store it in clean, covered containers
Avoid raw food and unwashed fruits
Refrain from open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of waste
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers where soap and water are unavailable
Health workers were urged to strictly adhere to infection prevention protocols, promptly report suspected cases, and educate communities on cholera prevention.
With the rainy season poised to accelerate disease transmission, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its public health response. While the current number of cholera cases remains lower than past outbreaks, the widespread geographical footprint—spanning 30 states—necessitates urgent, coordinated action across all levels of government.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to leading a unified response and ensuring that every Nigerian—especially those in vulnerable communities—has the knowledge and tools to prevent another avoidable health crisis.