The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 1,141 suspected cases of cholera, with 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states from January 1 to June 11.
In an advisory, the NCDC stated that 10 states—Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos—account for 90 per cent of the cholera burden.
It urged state governments to prioritise actions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in communities.
The centre explained that cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, ingested through contaminated water and food.
NCDC advised avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, food from street vendors, and raw or undercooked seafood.
“Protect cooked food and boiled water from contamination by flies and unsanitary handling.
“Leftover food should be reheated thoroughly before consumption,” he said.
The agency said that persons experiencing diarrhoea should avoid preparing or serving food or hauling water for others to prevent the spread of infection.
“Avoid open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of refuse. Proper disposal of waste and regular clearing of sewage are essential.
“Anyone experiencing sudden watery diarrhoea should seek immediate medical attention and refrain from self-medication,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that according to the World Health Organisation(WHO), cholera is a food and water-borne disease, caused by the ingestion of the organism in contaminated water and food.
However, the Osun State Government says there are no confirmed cases of cholera outbreak in the state.
Its Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health, Dr Akeem Bello, told NAN yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital: “At present, we have yet to record any outbreak of cholera in the state.’’
The director, however, stated that since last week when news of the outbreak filtered in, the primary healthcare centres across the state had been put on standby.
“We are on top of the situation, and the government is doing everything possible to ensure that in case of any outbreak, we can quickly curtail it,” he said.
In response to suspected and confirmed reports of cholera outbreaks, a sanitation expert has called for improved hygiene practices in schools.
The National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), Benson Attah, said: “This outbreak should serve as an early warning to the councils and states yet unaffected.’
“The recommended hygiene practices include regular hand washing with safe, clean water and soap, especially before eating.’’
Also, the Ogun State Government has directed school heads to ensure good health and safety of learners and staff members to prevent the spread of cholera within the school communities.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, in a statement yesterday, said preventive measures had been put in place to control the spread of the disease in schools. The measures took effect from yesterday.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
