This special edition of the weekly update spotlights emerging threats to public health and human security in the Niger Delta with a focus on cholera outbreak in the region. Cholera is a diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae Bacterium. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and dehydration. It is an epidemic-prone infectious disease with significant public health consequences. According to epidemiological data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), as at June 2024, a total of 882 suspected cases of cholera including 16 deaths have been reported across 30 States in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, and eight out of the nine States in the Niger Delta. According to NCDC’s Cholera Situation Report, as of June 2, 2022, more than 70% of all suspected cases were reported in the Niger Delta. 50% (442) of all suspected cases in the country were reported in Bayelsa State. Southern Ijaw LGA in Bayelsa State with 146 cases, accounts for 16.6% of all suspected cases reported in the country. Abia and Delta States had the highest number of cholera related deaths during the period, with Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 7.8% and 11.8% respectively.

DOWNLOAD