Cholera infections rise with rains

The number of cholera cases reported in the ongoing outbreak has increased in the last three weeks with the onset of rains, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control says. The epidemic is raging across nine states so far, and strike by health workers is affecting provision of care in health facilities, the centre says. It […]

The number of cholera cases reported in the ongoing outbreak has increased in the last three weeks with the onset of rains, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control says.

The epidemic is raging across nine states so far, and strike by health workers is affecting provision of care in health facilities, the centre says.

It has issued a warning for the public to take precautions to avoid and possibly treat cholera.

The disease causes acute watery diarrhoea in child and adults.

Left untreated, it can lead to death within hours.

Cholera is common in Nigeria, but number of cases usually increases in the rainy season, usually between April and September.

The primary reason for this is the contamination of drinking water supplies by excreta from infected people, says NCDC.

The solution to preventing cholera is in providing potable drinking water.

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera, which is found in the stool of an infected person and spreads to other people when they consume contaminated food or water.

Cholera transmission is more common in areas with overcrowding, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, lack of clean food and water, and areas where open defecation is common practice.

Cholera is characterised by sudden onset of severe acute watery diarrhea, which can lead to death as a result of dehydration, if not managed on time. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

Most people who have been infected may not show symptoms or have mild symptoms.

Cholera is an easily treatable disease, if detected early. Most infected people people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and supportive treatment.