Niger Delta Weekly Update for January 22-28, 2023

This special edition of the weekly update highlights the recurring outbreak of infectious diseases in the Niger Delta with a focus on the recent resurgence of cholera and Lassa fever in the region. Recent epidemiological data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows a resurgence of Lassa fever in Edo and Ondo State, and outbreak of cholera in Cross River. According to NCDC’s Lassa fever Situation Report, as of January 15, 2023, 76% of 105 new confirmed cases in Nigeria were reported in Edo and Ondo State. According to data, as of January 25, 2023, more than 95 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and about 10 fatalities were reported across 11 local government areas (LGAs) in Edo State. In Cross River State, over 20 residents were reportedly killed and several others hospitalized as a result of a recent outbreak of cholera. As of January 21, 2023, over 150 cholera cases including more than 50 deaths have been reported across communities in Abi, Odukpani, Obubra and Yakurr LGAs in Cross River. The simultaneous outbreak of cholera and Lassa fever could have devastating impact on public health in the region.