A cholera epidemic is spreading in northern Nigeria and has claimed the lives of at least 20 people in the past two weeks, while more than 300 people have had to be hospitalized, a health official said on Tuesday (24/5).
Nigeria, one of Africa’s leading oil producers, is particularly affected by diseases favored by poor water and sanitation systems due to non-existent or poorly maintained infrastructure and lack of investment.
The current epidemic has hit nine districts in Bauchi state, with the eponymous capital hardest hit, state chief Mohamed Maigoro told reporters.
” We have so far recorded 20 deaths and 322 cases of cholera in nine districts over the past two weeks, ” he said. ” The capital, Bauchi, is hardest hit, with half the deaths and 147 cases, ” he said.
According to the same official, the cases are increasing and the government has asked all 20 districts of the state to activate emergency response teams and to set up specific quarantine centers.
Additional medical and health personnel have been sent to the affected areas, while public awareness campaigns focusing on water and personal hygiene are under way, he added.
Cholera is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food and mainly affects the intestines, with the most common symptoms being vomiting, diarrhea, acute dehydration and fatigue.
It is very easily transmitted and can be fatal if not treated in time.
Eight Nigerian states have reported possible cholera cases by 2021, according to the Nigerian Centers for Disease Control (NCDC).
A total of 1,746 possible cases of cholera and 50 deaths have been reported in these states since January. More than half of the confirmed cases were children aged 5-14.
