Nigeria: Four dead after cholera outbreak in Nasarawa state

Event

According to the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, at least four people have died of a recent cholera outbreak in that state as of Thursday, December 21. Officials confirmed another 34 people are in stable condition and currently undergoing medical treatment for the illness. Authorities have reportedly deployed a rapid response team to the state to prevent further spread of the disease.

Context

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria that can induce acute diarrhea and vomiting, and subsequent dehydration. The risk of death is greatest among people with low immunity, such as malnourished children or those living with HIV. However, even among healthy adults, cholera can be fatal within a matter of hours.

Advice

To reduce the risk of contracting cholera, wash hands regularly, drink only bottled or purified water, and avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. Individuals who believe they may have contracted cholera should seek immediate medical attention.

On a separate note, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and particularly poor in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.