The Cholera Pandemic: Global Status and Staying Safe

The news of fast-spreading cholera infections in Nigeria got into mainstream media in early June 2024, but the disease has been a class 3 emergency on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) books since January 2023.

In Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reports 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths across 31 states since January 2024. 

Lagos has been the centre of focus in light of the resurgent cholera infections. Recently, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs (UN OCHA) drew a correlation between flooding and the increased case reports in the state, indicating that the floods are likely to cause increased spread of the bacteria.

Global Snapshot

However, Nigeria is simply one of many countries that are suffering a resurgence of the enteric bacteria. In 2024, the WHO reported a total of 194,897 cholera cases globally and 1,932 deaths across four WHO regions, namely the Eastern Mediterranean, African, European, and South East Asian regions. The Eastern Mediterranean and African Regions have recorded 98,003 and 92,789 cases in 2024, the most of any WHO region.

The worst hit countries have been Afghanistan (47,758 cases), Zambia (20,113 cases), Zimbabwe (19,759 cases), Pakistan (18,318 cases), DR Congo (16,539 cases), and Ethiopia (16,163 cases). 

The available Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) was depleted until March 2024, but the WHO and its partners are working to improve the supply to federal Ministries of Health.

For context, that's the global picture of cholera infections, in case you thought the resurgence in Nigeria was an isolated case.

What To Do In Cases of Cholera Infections?

The typical signs and symptoms of cholera include nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. You need a medical diagnosis to confirm the infection, but the vomiting and diarrhea often require a first-aid response.

The ‘major killer’ of cholera patients is dehydration, and you can tackle that early by giving the sick person an oral rehydration solution (ORS) prepared from sachets bought at a pharmacy or at home, from salt, sugar, and water. With dehydration in check, you can visit the hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

The local preparation of ORS at home involves the following steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Dissolve 3.5 g of salt (half of a small spoon) and 40 g of sugar (about eight small spoons) in a litre of safe drinking water.

• Mix thoroughly till salt and sugar dissolve. 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure!

Cholera is caused by the various serotypes of Vibrio cholerae, and the bacteria is transmitted through contact with infected feces, especially in food and water. Seafood, vegetables, well water, and raw fruits are common sources of the infection. 

The key to staying healthy from cholera and most food-borne pathogens is to observe sanitary practices. Wash your hands thoroughly after every activity and ensure you prepare your food with safe drinking water. 

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is creating even more enabling conditions for staff and students, as the toilets have been recently renovated for proper, hygienic use. Given that we are at the forefront of public health issues, the faculty is ensuring that everyone has access to better sanitary conditions all around. 

 

So, stay safe, live healthily, and spread awareness on hygienic living. 

Written by Segun Itakorode