Medical experts have warned of a potential increase in cholera cases and other water-borne diseases in Lagos other coastal states as floods intensify during the rainy season.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a significant outbreak of cholera and other water-borne diseases in Lagos and nine other southern states, resulting in over 60 deaths. The NCDC’s bi-weekly epidemiology reports now focus heavily on the rampant spread of cholera nationwide.
The NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, recently said that a dynamic risk assessment identified Nigeria as being at “high risk” for increased cholera transmission. This led to the activation of the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action to protect public health.
A public health physician and CEO of TalkHealth9ja, Dr. Laz Ude Eze, emphasized that recent flooding in Lagos could exacerbate the cholera outbreak by contaminating water sources. He called for enhanced public health messaging on prevention measures and for individuals to ensure safe drinking water and proper hygiene practices.
A former President of the Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria (MDCAN), Dr. Ken Ozoilo, also stressed that flooding increases the risk of water contamination, worsening the cholera situation. He recommended government campaigns on community education and vaccination programs in the short term. For the long term, he advocated a multi-sectoral approach to address flooding, improve water supply, and enhance sanitation.
Both experts highlighted the need for better funding and staffing of Primary Health Care (PHC) centers, which are crucial for managing cholera cases in local communities. They also noted that tertiary healthcare facilities face challenges due to economic constraints, emphasizing the adage that prevention is better than cure.
The NCDC assured that the EOC will coordinate response efforts nationwide, support affected states, facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making, and mobilize resources and expertise. The agency will strengthen surveillance, diagnostic capacity, case management, and public awareness activities.
The NCDC expressed sympathy for families affected by the outbreak and acknowledged the efforts of stakeholders, including government agencies, local and international partners, healthcare workers, and community leaders. They called for intensified efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further fatalities, reminding health workers to practice safety precautions and report suspected cholera cases promptly.
To reduce cholera risk, the NCDC has advised Nigerians to boil water properly and store, maintain good hand hygiene, ensure food is well-cooked, avoid open defecation, dispose of waste properly, and report any sudden cases of watery diarrhea.