About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Nigeria Sees a Rise in Cholera Death Toll

by Rathi Manohar on August 19, 2010 at 9:56 PM
 Nigeria Sees a Rise in Cholera Death Toll

The cholera epidemic in Bauchi, Nigeria's northern state has claimed more casualties with the number rising from 47 to 67 in the past one week, health officials have stated.

"We have recorded 20 more deaths in the last week from cholera outbreak. The death toll now stands at 67 in the last eight weeks," Musa Dambam, director of Bauchi Primary Health Care Development Agency told AFP by phone from Bauchi.

Advertisement

"Infection has risen from 1,200 patients to 1,742. The increase in the death and infection figures was as a result of drinking of contaminated water," he said.

Dambam said that heavy rains had washed contaminants into ponds and wells.

"We have intensified health campaigns on the radio, urging people to boil their water before drinking," he added.
Advertisement

These figures bring cholera death toll in Bauchi and Borno states to 107 while a total of 1,857 people have been infected by the water-borne disease also in the two states.

More than 260 people died of cholera in four northern states in the last quarter of 2009.

Cholera can also be transmitted by food that has been in contact with sewage.

It causes serious diarrhoea and vomiting leading to dehydration. With a short incubation period, it can be fatal if not treated in time.

Health experts say a surge in cholera outbreaks is noticeable in Nigerian villages in the rainy season when rainwater washes dirt into open wells and ponds which most villages rely on for drinking.

Source: AFP
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Tropical Disease News

Global Spread of Mpox Virus Persists: Cases Reported in China and Thailand
The WHO has assessed the risk of monkeypox for the general population in countries not previously impacted by the current outbreak as low.
Understanding Nipah Virus: Droplet Transmission and Its Lethality at 40-70%
Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Fruit bats serve as the natural reservoirs for Nipah virus.
Tamil Nadu Reports Zero Nipah Virus Cases
Nipah Virus (NiV) or Hendra virus is a deadly virus that spreads via contact with the saliva, urine, or excreta of fruit bats or pigs.
Nipah Virus Outbreak: 2 Fatalities Trigger Emergency Response in Kozhikode
Nipah virus is mainly a zoonotic disease, transferring from animals to humans, and can also spread via contaminated food or contact with infected individuals.
Japanese Encephalitis: Emerging Concern for Assam
Japanese Encephalitis in Assam, causing over 15 deaths during the monsoon season, officials are on high alert.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Nigeria Sees a Rise in Cholera Death Toll Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests