Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by the infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Symptom watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, shock as a result of dehydration or low blood pressure. In Nigeria, cholera remains a serious public health concern due to recurring outbreaks, especially during the rainy season and in communities with poor access to safe water and sanitation.

The main causes in Nigeria include:

• Contaminated Water Sources: Rivers, lakes, untreated wells, poorly maintained boreholes, boreholes close to latrines and waste dumps, and public water supplies that are not adequately chlorinated.

• Poor Sanitation: Open defecation in fields, waterways, drainage/gutters, and bushes. Overflowing or poorly managed pit latrines and blocked drainage systems allow sewage to mix with water.

• Inadequate Hygiene Practices: Failure to wash hands after using the toilet or before meals, preparing food with dirty utensils or on contaminated surfaces, rinsing fruits and vegetables with unsafe or untreated water.

• Contaminated Food: Street-vended food prepared in dirty environments, raw or undercooked seafood from polluted waters, and leftover food stored at unsafe temperatures.

• Overcrowded Living Conditions: Refugee camps, slums, and shanties.

• Seasonal & Environmental Factors Heavy rainfall and flooding (especially June–September) that spread waste into water supplies and drought, forcing people to use unsafe sources.