Physicians and researchers are urging both the federal and state governments to provide clean drinking water to flood-prone communities to help prevent the further spread of infection, as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported cases in 115 Local Government Areas across 32 states.
These experts are also calling for comprehensive measures to address flooding in these communities, cautioning that such situations could exacerbate the current outbreak.
Naijatraffic learnt that, Dr. Dan Onwujekwe, a Medical Researcher, has highlighted the link between flooding and cholera outbreaks, warning that areas affected by frequent floods could see an increase in acute diarrheal diseases if access to clean and safe water is not ensured.
It has been emphasized that cholera, being a waterborne illness, poses a higher risk of transmission in areas with inadequate sanitation and disrupted water supplies.
The researcher stressed the significance of addressing these issues to prevent a surge in cholera cases, drawing attention to the necessity of averting past incidents of outbreaks during severe flooding.
Cholera outbreaks have been a recurring challenge in Nigeria, with the World Health Organisation, Africa Region, noting a rise in cases during the rainy season each year. Recent data from the NCDC reveals 54 deaths and 1,579 suspected cases reported since the year began, with a case-fatality ratio of 1.9% as of early June 2024.
Experts are cautioning that the country faces a heightened risk of increased cholera transmission and impact during the current rainy season. Dr. Onwujekwe further expressed concerns about a potential upsurge in acute diarrheal diseases as the rains intensify in affected communities.
“The major dangerous one of which is cholera, we must prepare for it. We are already having cases even before the flooding occurred.
“But it is just going to get worse with flooding. So, we must show preparedness, we must increase our preparedness, and show evidence to tackle it.
“The government should provide flood victims with alternative sources of protected and safe water to drink”, he maintained.
The cholera outbreak has hit several states, including Lagos, Zamfara, and Bayelsa, which accounts for 50% of all cases.
Contaminated water and poor sanitation are the main causes, worsened by the rainy season’s flooding and compromised water sources. Onwujekwe urges public awareness and caution to mitigate the crisis.
“The outbreak of cholera is what worries me most because sources of water for drinking will be compromised.
“We need to alert people to know that an outbreak of cholera is likely, due to the flooding. We need to be hammering on it so that everybody will know what to do to prevent cholera or what to do when they see such cases.
“There is a need to emphasize this because cholera is very deadly.
“It is a disease that is said to make physicians humble because they can easily get overwhelmed even though they are prepared to tackle it.
“We need to do a lot more now because it is going to happen, it is likely to spread.”
The researcher noted that awareness and preparation must be accorded a priority.
“In all those affected communities, we must do something to make sure that they have sources of water that are reliable. It is not rocket science. It can be done”, he stated.
