Cholera outbreak spreads in Zamfara State with 11000 cases reported

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US‑CDC) and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) have dispatched a rapid‑response team to Zamfara State, Nigeria, to combat a widespread cholera outbreak that began on 15 January. The disease has now spread to all 14 local government areas, prompting a major public‑health effort.

Suleiman Isah, public‑relations officer of the State Ministry of Health, reported that more than 11,000 cases have been recorded, with a case‑fatality rate of 1.6 percent. Approximately 60 percent of the cases have occurred in four local government areas—Talata Mafara, Gusau, Bungudu, and Zurmi. Insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the state have worsened the situation, making the outbreak a critical health concern.

To strengthen the response, seven Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme residents and one graduate have been deployed to high‑burden areas for 14 days. Their duties include supporting surveillance, managing cases, and coordinating with the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

The US‑CDC and AFENET have also supplied essential medical items: 40 000 medicines such as oral rehydration salts and normal saline, 3 900 consumables, 500 infection‑prevention‑and‑control items, and 1 000 pieces of personal protective equipment. Rapid‑response team leader Ahmad Aliyu handed the supplies to State Commissioner for Health Nafisa Maradun, who described the assistance as “massive” and pledged that the resources would be distributed judiciously to control the outbreak.

The deployment of the rapid‑response team and the delivery of medical supplies aim to strengthen Zamfara’s capacity to contain cholera and reduce its impact on affected communities. The outbreak underscores the need for continued collaboration among international organizations, national authorities, and local health officials. As the situation evolves, the state’s health authorities, with support from the US‑CDC and AFENET, will focus on containing the disease and preventing further spread.