WELL-BEING: Steps to Preventing Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu,

The cholera pandemic in Nigeria has hit virtually all the states of the federation. Cholera, a water-borne disease, can be dangerous and severe. It often leads to death if not taken seriously or treated on time. The disease is caused by bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which finds its way into liquid we consume.

As such, there is the need for citizens to be drinking only quality water, among other liquids. Also, the cholera bacteria is spread through foods that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Its symptoms are dehydration, severe diarrhea (water stool), weakness, muscle cramps, fever, vomiting, low blood pressure etc.

Cholera outbreaks are more likely in areas with poor sanitation and overcrowding. Some specific causes of cholera outbreaks include: inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities, conflict, unplanned urbanization, climate change, humanitarian crises, natural disasters, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and irregular disposal of sewage, enabling flies to carry the bacteria to water or food, blocked drains and leaking water pipes, overcrowded conditions such as internally displaced person’s (IDPs) camps, refugees, and prisons with no access to safe water etc.

The recent cholera outbreak began in Lagos State as announced on June 9, 2024. Three days later, 324 suspected cases,15 deaths, and 40 who were discharged after treatment were reported in the state. As of June 11, 2024, a total of 1,141 suspected cases and 65 confirmed cases with 30 deaths have been reported across Nigeria in 96 local government areas, according to data from Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Below are some measures on how to reduce the spread of the disease:

• Safe Water: Use bottled, chlorinated, boiled, or filtered water. Avoid tap water, drinks sold in cups or bags, and ice that may not be safe. If all these are out of reach, boil any water before consumption and allow to boil for one minute.

– Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and safe water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.

– Sanitation: Use toilets or safely managed sanitation facilities.Bury plastic bags containing poop away from water sources.

– Food Safety: Peel raw fruits and vegetables and thoroughly cook where necessary. Also avoid raw or undercooked seafood.

– Multisectoral response to an outbreak, including community engagement and social mobilization.

– Cholera preparedness plans and programs in at-risk communities.

– Oral cholera vaccines

– Improved food handling and preparation

– Strengthening disease surveillance and national preparedness

In addition, no matter how severe the case may be, cholera is still treatable and people can recover from the illness in the following ways:

– Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS): Replenish lost fluids and electrolytes vital for managing dehydration

– Antibiotics: Tetracycline and doxycycline are commonly used to shorten the duration of diarrhea.

– Intravenous Fluids: Severe cases require hospitalization for use of intravenous fluid.

In conclusion, there is also the need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure, public awareness, and access to healthcare in affected areas.

As the health community continues to respond to this crisis, it is essential for the government to prioritize sustainable solutions that address the root causes of cholera, rather than just its symptoms. By working together, we can reduce the spread of cholera and ensure that this preventable disease no longer claims lives.