State Records 179 Deaths as Cholera Outbreak Hits Communities

Zamfara State has confirmed 179 death cases following a fresh wave of cholera that has spread across all 14 local government areas, health officials said on Friday.

According to state records, the outbreak has so far resulted in 12,052 suspected cases, with a case fatality rate of 1.4 per cent. 

This figure is lower than Nigeria’s national average of 3.3 per cent, which authorities attribute to improved intervention efforts in the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, disclosed the figures during a review meeting of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) chaired by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun.

Nakwada explained that the government has been working around the clock to curtail the spread of the disease through increased surveillance, distribution of medical supplies, and deployment of response teams to rural communities.

“While the numbers are concerning, our rapid response teams are ensuring that patients in hard-to-reach areas are not left unattended. 

"This is why the state’s fatality rate remains below the national average,” he stated.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, also stressed that the state cannot afford to slow down its efforts. 

She noted that water contamination and poor sanitation remain the major triggers of cholera in many rural settlements.

“We have intensified community awareness campaigns, including sensitisation on safe water practices and hygiene. 

"Without these measures, treatment alone cannot completely stop the spread,” Dr Maradun said.

Health experts have urged residents to seek immediate medical attention once symptoms such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting occur, warning that a delay in treatment often leads to preventable deaths.

The Zamfara government assured that it will continue to collaborate with federal health agencies and international partners to scale up cholera response and prevent further casualties.

Cholera outbreaks remain a recurring public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season when contaminated water sources heighten the risk of transmission.