By Aliyu Oyewole
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned that Nigeria’s cholera outbreak is far from over, despite a significant decline in weekly cases.
The agency disclosed on Friday that more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas in 2026.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, warned that the country could experience another surge in cholera cases between late August and October, as the rainy season continues.
According to him, flooding, contaminated water sources and poor sanitation could undermine recent gains in containing the outbreak.
“Cholera transmission is ongoing, and we must therefore consolidate the gains made so far and prevent another rise in cases,” Idris said.
He noted that previous outbreaks had shown that cholera could peak during the current period, particularly in areas where flooding contaminates water sources and overwhelms sanitation infrastructure.
The NCDC boss said the decline in cholera-related deaths was encouraging but cautioned Nigerians against developing a false sense of security.
Diphtheria Cases Also Cross 10,000
Idris also disclosed that Nigeria had recorded more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases this year, although the case fatality rate had declined considerably compared with the same period in 2025.
He identified Kano, Borno and Bauchi among the states carrying the heaviest burden of diphtheria, attributing continued transmission largely to inadequate vaccination coverage.
“The central issue is that too many children remain unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated,” he said.
According to him, vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, displacement, population movement and difficulties reaching underserved communities continue to undermine efforts to control the vaccine-preventable disease.
‘We Cannot Treat Our Way Out Of Cholera’
Idris stressed that treatment alone would not be enough to defeat cholera, noting that unsafe water, open defecation, damaged water infrastructure and poor sanitation in schools, markets and other public places remain major drivers of transmission.
“While treatment saves lives, we cannot treat our way out of cholera,” he said.
He explained that early access to treatment had improved outcomes, particularly in Borno State, which has recorded the majority of this year’s cholera cases.
The NCDC said it was coordinating the response with state governments and partners through strengthened disease surveillance, laboratory support, case management, infection prevention and control, community engagement and the deployment of National Rapid Response Teams to affected states.
Response measures include investigating transmission sources, conducting water-quality assessments, chlorinating and rehabilitating water sources, promoting hygiene and administering oral cholera vaccines in high-burden communities.
In Borno, NCDC teams have assessed water supply points to identify gaps in water quality, sanitation and chlorination.
In Bauchi, oral rehydration points have been established, treatment capacity strengthened and active case searches intensified.
For diphtheria, reactive vaccination campaigns are being conducted in affected communities alongside case detection, treatment and the provision of essential laboratory and treatment commodities.
NCDC Seeks State, LG Action
Idris said federal intervention alone would not be sufficient to end the outbreaks, urging state and local governments to commit resources to high-risk communities.
He called for urgent measures to provide safe water and sanitation, repair critical water infrastructure, tackle open defecation and ensure that high-risk communities have functional treatment and rapid-response facilities.
On diphtheria, he urged governments to strengthen routine and targeted immunisation and identify children who have missed recommended vaccine doses.
“Many of the interventions that will make the greatest difference must happen in our states, Local Government Areas, health facilities, communities and homes,” Idris said.
The NCDC DG also urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for both diseases, report suspected cases promptly and strictly observe infection prevention and control measures.
He advised Nigerians to begin oral rehydration immediately when someone develops frequent watery diarrhoea and seek medical attention without delay.
Parents and caregivers, he added, should ensure that children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria, stressing that the vaccines are safe, effective and available free through routine immunisation services and vaccination campaigns.
Idris further appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to help counter misinformation and promote preventive measures.
“If we act early, sustain the response and work together, we can prevent infections, save lives and bring these outbreaks under control,” he said.
