Angela Onwuzoo As the federal and state governments battle to contain the spread of the cholera outbreak, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has urged Nigerians to desist from self-medication. NCDC warned that severe cases of cholera could lead to death within hours due to dehydration from massive fluid loss. The health agency advised people experiencing diarrhoea to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-medication.
It urged state governments to prioritise actions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in communities. The call was contained in a comprehensive advisory released to the public, healthcare workers, and state governments on mitigating the spread of cholera. Cholera is a highly contagious food and water-borne disease.
It spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing. Symptoms of cholera include acute, painless watery diarrhea of sudden onset, with or without vomiting. It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever.
NCDC reported 1,141 suspected cases of cholera, with 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states from January 1 to June 11. The Lagos State Ministry of Health, on Saturday, confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in the state, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. The NCDC highli.