The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a significant decline in cholera cases across the country but warned that the outbreak remains active in several areas.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Friday during a briefing on the cholera and diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria.
According to Idris, more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases have been recorded across 35 states and about 195 local government areas since the beginning of 2026.
Although the number of reported infections has dropped, the NCDC boss said the fatality rate among reported cases is considerably lower than that recorded during the corresponding period last year.
He, however, cautioned Nigerians against assuming that the disease has been brought under control.
“This is important progress. But I want to be very clear: the outbreak is not over,” Idris said.
He warned that cholera cases could increase again between late August and October, particularly due to increased rainfall and the risk of flooding.
Idris explained that flooding could contaminate sources of drinking water and damage sanitation infrastructure, thereby creating conditions favourable for the spread of cholera.
He noted that improved access to early treatment had contributed to better survival rates, particularly in Borno State, which has recorded the highest number of cases this year.
“Outcomes have been better where treatment has been brought closer to affected communities. We are also seeing better outcomes among people who seek care early,” he said.
However, Idris stressed that medical treatment alone would not eliminate cholera transmission, urging authorities to address the environmental and sanitation challenges driving the outbreak.
“But the data are telling us something equally important: while treatment saves lives, we cannot treat our way out of cholera,” he said.
The NCDC chief identified unsafe drinking water, open defecation, damaged water infrastructure and inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities as some of the major factors responsible for the continued spread of the disease.
He called on governments at all levels to sustain investments in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure as part of efforts to prevent recurring cholera outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has also recorded more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases this year, according to Idris.
He said the figure remained concerning, although the proportion of confirmed cases resulting in death had declined significantly compared with the same period last year.