Abuja, Nigeria - The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a stern warning against self-medication as the country grapples with a cholera outbreak. The NCDC emphasized that severe cases of cholera can lead to rapid death due to dehydration from massive fluid loss, urging those experiencing diarrhea to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-treatment.
In a comprehensive advisory, the NCDC highlighted the contagious nature of cholera, which spreads through contaminated food and water, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
The disease is characterized by acute, painless watery diarrhea, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever.
From January 1 to June 11, Nigeria recorded 1,141 suspected cases of cholera, with 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health confirmed 350 suspected cases, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths in 29 wards across multiple local government areas.
The NCDC identified 10 states, including Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos, as accounting for 90% of the cholera burden in the country.
The agency stressed the importance of access to clean water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the disease.
Cholera is caused by vibrio cholerae, which is ingested through contaminated water and food. The populations most at risk are those with limited access to clean water, poor sanitation and hygiene, and healthcare workers providing direct patient care without standard precautions.
The NCDC advised Nigerians to avoid raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood.
It also recommended protecting cooked food and boiled water from contamination by flies and unsanitary handling, as well as reheating leftover food thoroughly before consumption.
The health agency urged healthcare workers to always practice standard safety precautions, such as wearing gloves when handling patients or providing care to ill individuals.
It also emphasized the importance of promptly reporting suspected cholera cases to facilitate timely intervention.
As the federal and state governments work to contain the cholera outbreak, the NCDC's advisory serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of preventive measures and seeking proper medical attention to combat the spread of the disease.
