Cholera outbreaks: A sick, sick history

In 1991, 59,478 cases and 7,654 deaths were reported. This remains the highest rate to date in the country. Cases of outbreak started to be reported in January. Among the affected states were Kano, Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Niger and Oyo. By September the disease had spread to the 19 of the then 21 states and the […]

In 1991, 59,478 cases and 7,654 deaths were reported. This remains the highest rate to date in the country. Cases of outbreak started to be reported in January. Among the affected states were Kano, Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Niger and Oyo. By September the disease had spread to the 19 of the then 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory.Vibrio cholera E1 Tor and Ogawa were identified.

In March 1999, an outbreak of cholera was reported in Kano Municipal Local government Area. The outbreak was traced to the interruption of the domestic water supply for some days which forced people to use any water available. A total of815 cases and 28 deaths have been recorded up to 6tH of May. The outbreak also spread to Tofa LGA where 182 cases with 19 deaths were recorded over two weeks. It spread to Adamawa state in April where 76 cases were recorded with 18 deaths. Edo states recorded 49 cases with 24 deaths. Other scary stats continued to be recorded all the way to the present situation.

Cholera may be the result of drinking water or eating foods that contain the cholera bacterium. This is a common problem in areas where water treatment facilities are inadequate. Some people can have the cholera bacterium and not become ill. They can still infect others for up to 14 days because the bacterium is eliminated through their stool.

Severe, watery diarrhoea is frequently the first sign of infection. It’s urgent to treat diarrhoea early with rehydration. Nausea and vomiting may occur from the time cholera sets in until it is completely resolved.

Effective prevention methods are also the same as for other forms of diarrhoea, namely: Provision and use of clean drinking water, hand washing, good home and environmental hygiene and sanitation. Also, avoidance of potentially contaminated foods

Cholera’s reputation as a killer has been earned over the centuries, but modern advances mean we now have the scientific and public health solutions. However, the conditions which enable cholera to be spread – lack of knowledge, poverty and social inequity – also need to be challenged.