Cholera
In only three months time, a cholera epidemic in Nigeria has resulted in 352 deaths.
With the rainy season continuing in the country, health officials have warned that the entire nation is at risk of the cholera epidemic, the Associated Press reports.
A statement issued by the nation’s Health Ministry revealed that there have been more than 6,400 cholera cases since June, with the disease detected in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
"Epidemiological evidence indicates that the entire country is at risk," the statement warned, according to the Associated Press.
This newest outbreak is blamed on heavy seasonal rains that allow cholera to spread across rural communities that lack proper toilet facilities. Wells in many of the affected areas are uncovered, which allows tainted water to enter drinking water supplies.
Cholera results in diarrhea, which leads to severe dehydration and even death. The disease is highly contagious.
Neighboring Cameroon is also dealing with its own cholera outbreak, where the disease has killed 155 people and resulted in 2,000 confirmed cases.
In addition to the cholera outbreaks, the Associated Press reports, Nigeria is also facing a measles outbreak in four of its states that has resulted in more than 5,000 infections and 83 deaths.
The WHO recently warned that measles might make a rapid comeback as funding for vaccination campaigns has been cut.
