The Federal Government yesterday said no fewer than 526 persons died of cholera in 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said 22,130 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded as of July 22.

The agency’s Head of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Mrs Elsie Ilori, said during a briefing: “In the last two weeks, we have had some decline in cases and we are working with the Ministry of Water Resources, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other partners to coordinate a multi-sectoral response.”

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.

Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to the disease.

Most of those infected will have no or mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with an oral rehydration solution.

Severe cases will need rapid treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

The provision of safe water and sanitation is critical to prevent and control the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

According to the WHO. oral cholera vaccines should be used in conjunction with improvements in water and sanitation to control cholera outbreaks and for prevention in areas known to be high risk for cholera.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said: “Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

“Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.

“Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water.

“Cholera affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated.”

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