Cholera – Nigeria

The total number of suspected cholera cases reported as at 12th September 2021 stands at 1,167 with 71 associated deaths, (CFR – 6.0%). 780 cases from Gwoza, 74 from Damboa, 189 from Hawul, 7 from Magumeri, 33 from Kaga, 12 from MMC, 35 from Jere and 7 from Askira Uba LGAs.

Out of the 38 samples collected and tested in the state using rapid diagnostic test for cholera, 24 (63.1%) were positive, while 15 (62.5%) of which were culture positive.

Photo: Vibrio tasmaniensis bacteria, a close relative of Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms may range from none, to mild, to severe. The main risk is severe dehydration, this happens sometimes within hours.

It is spread mostly by unsafe water and unsafe food that has been contaminated with human feces containing the bacteria. Under-cooked seafood is a common source.

Risk factors for the disease include poor sanitation, not enough clean drinking water, and poverty.

Cholera affects an estimated 3–5 million people worldwide and causes 28.800–130.000 deaths a year. Areas with ongoing risk include Africa and South East Asia, where it occurs in outbreaks.

Descriptions of cholera are found as early as the 5th century BC in Sanskrit.

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