NCDC praises Enugu's zero case; state government doing the needful, no case hidden. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cases of cholera this year across 35 states and approximately 195 Local Government Areas. Director-General Dr Jide Idris said Enugu State stands alone as the only state yet to report a case of cholera this year, attributing the development to proactive measures by the state government: "Enugu is the only state that has not reported cholera this year.
It's not that they are hiding the case, but the government is seriously proactive." He said he had visited Enugu more than once, holding extensive discussions with the Commissioner for Health and the Governor, and confirmed the government was actively doing what was necessary to prevent cholera. Idris explained that cholera is an all-year-round disease that peaks during the rainy season, making Enugu's zero-case record at peak season particularly significant given the risks from contaminated water and poor sanitation.
He raised concerns over outbreak response in some states, saying weak responses contribute to poor outbreak management, and stressed that effective disease control requires states to take ownership of public health emergencies and respond promptly. NCDC described cholera as an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae, spreading rapidly where safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene are inadequate, and said it continues to encourage states to strengthen surveillance and response, improve access to safe water and sanitation, and promote hygiene as key preventive measures, alongside early detection and prompt treatment. (Source: thesun.ng)
