By Oriontimes News Desk
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The cholera outbreak in Zamfara State remains active, with thousands of suspected infections still being reported despite ongoing containment efforts supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.
Since the first cases emerged early this year, the state has recorded more than 11,000 suspected cholera infections across all 14 local government areas, according to recent health reports. The case fatality rate currently stands at about 1.6 percent, underscoring the continuing public health concern.
Health officials say over 1,500 new cases were confirmed between mid-June and early August, a spike that prompted an intensified response involving vaccination campaigns, improved surveillance, and public sensitization.
The Zamfara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, with support from WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, has launched a reactive oral cholera vaccination campaign targeting high-risk communities. The intervention aims to curb transmission, especially in rural areas where access to clean water and sanitation remains poor.
Officials have linked the spread to contaminated water sources and poor hygiene practices aggravated by flooding in parts of the state. Residents have been urged to boil drinking water, maintain personal hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention in the event of symptoms such as severe diarrhea or vomiting.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, remains endemic in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season. While Zamfara currently leads in reported cases, health experts warn that several other northern states face similar risks unless urgent preventive measures are sustained.
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