The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is planning a vaccination campaign against cholera, which has broken out on a camp for displaced people in Borno state.
At least 319 cases of the disease are suspected, and 20 people have died in the first week of September alone.
A treatment centre has been set up on the camp and in surrounding areas. NCDC has identified six areas on the outskirts of Maiduguri currently affected but says Muna Garage IDP camp is most affected.
A rapid response team has moved to support Borno state health ministry to coordinate, identify and trace people in possible contact with infected camp residents living with cholera, and carry out laboratory testing and treatment.
“Risk communications activities, using both conventional media and door-to-door enlightenment have been reinforced,” said NCDC national coordinator Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu.
Cholera causes acute water diarrhoea in both children and adults. It is endemic in Nigeria but spikes during rainy seaon between April and September.
The disease is most often spread through contaminated food or water and is common in areas with overcrowding, poor sanitation and poor hygiene.
“When severe, Cholera is characterised by sudden onset of severe acute watery diarrhea which can lead to death as a result of dehydration,” said Ihekweazu.
“Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness. Members of the public are urged to report all sick persons with these signs or symptoms to a health care facility immediately for early initiation of treatment. Health care workers are strongly advised to practice universal care precautions while handling patients at all times.”
NCDC has urged states to report any cholera case immediately to prevent widespread outbreaks.
