Cholera epidemic kills 800 people
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The worst cholera epidemic in Nigeria in 19 years has killed nearly 800 people in two months. The disease is also spreading to Cameroon, Chad and Niger, where it has killed hundreds of others.
The current outbreak began during the summer, and was initially concentrated in Nigeria's northern states. Since then it has began to spread to neighbouring countries: Chad has reported more than 40 deaths, while 300 people have died from the disease in Cameroon. Cholera, which is spread by drinking contaminated water, is a recurring problem in districts with poor sanitation: more than half Nigeria's 150 million people lack access to clean drinking water. This year's rainy season produced floods which made water sources particularly susceptible to contamination. Nigeria last saw an outbreak on a comparable scale in 1991, when 7,654 people died, the World Health Organisation said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments