Cholera is not a new disease in Nigeria — but it still affects thousands of people every year, especially during the rainy season. If you’ve heard about “cholera outbreaks” in the news, it’s not just talk. Cholera is a serious infection that can spread fast and kill within hours if not treated on time.
So what exactly is cholera, and why should you care?
What is Cholera?
Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, and it spreads mainly through dirty water or contaminated food. It affects your digestive system and causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.
In simple terms, cholera comes when we eat or drink things that have been mixed with germs from human waste (toilet matter). This is why poor sanitation and lack of clean water are major causes.
How Do You Get Cholera?
Cholera spreads through:
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Drinking water from dirty sources like streams, open wells, or tanks not properly covered.
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Eating food prepared with unclean hands or in dirty environments.
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Consuming raw foods, fruits, or vegetables that were washed with contaminated water.
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Using dirty hands to eat without washing.
Common Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you or someone around you has any of these signs, don’t wait — get help immediately:
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Sudden and severe watery diarrhea
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Frequent vomiting
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Dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, fast heartbeat)
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Weakness and tiredness
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Leg cramps
Cholera can kill very fast if the person loses too much water. That’s why acting fast is key.
Who Is Most at Risk?
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Children under 5
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Elderly people
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People living in crowded or unhygienic areas
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Communities without access to clean water
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
Here’s how to protect yourself and your family:
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Drink clean water only: Boil water before drinking or use water purification tablets. Avoid sachet or bottled water if you’re not sure of the source.
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Wash hands regularly: Always use soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet.
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Eat only well-cooked food: Avoid street food if you’re unsure of how it was prepared.
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Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water before eating.
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Keep your environment clean: Cover food properly, dispose of waste properly, and make sure toilets are cleaned regularly.
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Educate others: Share this information with neighbors and family. Everyone needs to know!
What If Someone Has Cholera?
Cholera is treatable — but you must act fast.
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Start with ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) immediately. Even salt and sugar solution at home can help before going to the hospital.
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Take the person to a health center as quickly as possible for proper treatment. Don’t try to manage it at home.
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Avoid spreading it by keeping the patient’s area clean and washing hands regularly.
Cholera in Nigeria – The Bigger Picture
In recent years, cholera outbreaks have killed hundreds across Nigerian states like Lagos, Kano, Borno, and Bauchi. The major causes remain poor water supply, open defecation, and poor hygiene in many communities.
Health officials and NGOs like UNICEF and WHO continue to provide support — but we all have a role to play.
Final Thoughts
Cholera is preventable, treatable, and beatable — but only if we take the right steps. Let’s stop taking risks with dirty water, unclean food, or poor hygiene. Spread the word, help your community, and keep yourself safe.
Remember: Clean water, clean hands, and clean food can save lives.
Do you have clean water where you live? Have you ever witnessed a cholera outbreak in your area? Share your story with us in the comments — and don’t forget to share this post to help someone else stay safe.
