The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a warning amidst the ongoing battle by federal and state governments to contain a cholera outbreak in the country.
They have emphasized the dangers of self-medication in the face of severe cholera cases, which can quickly lead to death due to dehydration.
Urging individuals experiencing diarrhea to seek immediate medical help instead of self-medicating, the NCDC stressed the importance of proper treatment.
Additionally, the NCDC has called upon state governments to prioritize measures that facilitate access to safe water, basic sanitation, and good hygiene practices within communities.
The agency has released a comprehensive advisory to educate the public, healthcare workers, and state authorities on effective strategies to curb the spread of cholera.
Cholera is a highly transmissible disease primarily spread through contaminated food and water.
Symptoms include sudden and severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, potentially leading to fatal dehydration.
The NCDC reported a significant number of suspected cases across multiple states in Nigeria, with certain regions bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
The resurgence of cholera in affected communities underscores the critical need for improved sanitation, access to clean water, and proper hygiene practices.
The NCDC highlighted the states most affected by the outbreak and identified key risk factors associated with the spread of the disease.
They emphasized the importance of preventative measures, including avoiding potentially contaminated food and maintaining proper hygiene standards, to mitigate the impact of the cholera outbreak.
“Protect cooked food and boiled water from contamination by flies and unsanitary handling. Leftover food should be reheated thoroughly before consumption,” NCDC said.
The health agency said that persons experiencing diarrhoea should avoid preparing or serving food or hauling water for others to prevent the spread of the infection.
“Avoid open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse. Proper disposal of waste and regular clearing of sewage are essential.
“Anyone experiencing sudden watery diarrhoea should seek immediate medical attention and refrain from self-medication.
“Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration from massive fluid loss”, the centre pointed out.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) encourages healthcare workers to exercise caution and take standard safety precautions, such as wearing gloves when treating patients.
Additionally, individuals should promptly report suspected cholera cases to enable timely intervention and effective management of the disease.
