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Tag: Cholera

  • Yuletide: FCT scales up disease surveillance over Ebola, Cholera, Monkeypox, others – FCTA

    Yuletide: FCT scales up disease surveillance over Ebola, Cholera, Monkeypox, others – FCTA

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Administration said it has scaled up it’s surveillance system in order to checkmate diseases like Ebola, Cholera, Monkeypox, Meningitis, COVID-19 and measles outbreaks in the Territory.

    The FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat , HHSS, said it’s Epidemiology Division is in high alert mode on all diseases capable of posing morbidity on humans.

    Director, FCT Public Health Departme Dr. Sadiq Abdulrahaman, disclosed this while briefing the media on the state of preparedness and response of the FCTA health sector, in Abuja.

    Accordding to Dr. Sadiq Abdulrahaman, the FCT is on a high alert mode, as part of proactive measures taken, even though it have not witnessed any serious outbreak of the diseases within the year ending,

    He explained that periodically, there is a weekly review, in conjunction with FCTA partners like WHO, NCDC and Disease Surveillance and Notification officers, who are key foot soldiers at the Area Councils level.

    He said, “for Ebola viral disease, which is a big global disease of public health concern, though it is not yet witnessed in Nigeria except for the last case in 2014, but we are aware that there is already an outbreak in DRC Congo, with so much consequences from quite a number of deaths, and closure of schools. So, here (FCl) we have executed a high alert mode even though we have not witnessed any case yet.”

    “So, proactive measures have been taken. Our surveillance system is heightened, and the FCT Administration bought quite a number commodities particularly for these key diseases like Cholera that we witnessed in 2021.”

    ” We went on advocacy visits to key stakeholders especially in those Area Councils that had high potent of the disease during the outbreak such as AMAC, Kuje and Bwari.”

    “The Epidemiological Division of the Department, under FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), have gone into alert mode of all these diseases including incidence managers for COVID-19, Cholera, monkey pox and so on.”

    “Also, there is ongoing training retraining of our health workers especially those involved in periodic reporting of these diseases.”

    “Of course, with awareness creation and support from stakeholders especially the media is key to getting to the grassroot, as it can only be mitigated if those in the hinterlands get timely and right information, in order to take the right decision concerning their health”.

    Dr. Abdulrahaman noted, “For cerebral spinal meningitis, from january to date, we witnessed zero case, for cholera witnessed only two suspected cases, and zero laboratory confirmed; and for viral hemorrhagic fever specially Lassa fever which is endemic, we had 11 suspected cases and only one laboratory confirmed with no death. “

    “For measles, we had about 245 suspected cases, and zero laboratory confirmed. And for Monkey pox, which had brought a wave in recent past, cumulatively, we had about 58 suspected cases, with 9 confirmed in the FCT from January to date”.

    “On COVID-19, the Director, noted that despite the presidential directive on 12th December, 2022, relaxing of safety measures and travel advisory in the country, there is still emphasis on issues around gathering, the use of masks and travel protocols especially for the vulnerable groups, as the deadly disease still surges in the world.”

    “We are not yet celebrating, as the disease has diffused in most countries including Nigeria. So, the pronouncement from the Presidential steering Committee was as a result of sustained reduction in both clinical and laboratory tests visa vice infection transmission of the disease.”

    He awarded a good mark on the FCT and said, “Good enough, at the FCT level, we have been recording zero case. From the ongoing test specifically from our public health facilities and registered consortium of laboratories, which have testing travelers, the report still record zero case as at week 49.”

  • Scores die as cholera outbreak hits Cross River local council

    Scores die as cholera outbreak hits Cross River local council

    Many people have been feared dead as the Cross River State Government confirmed suspected cholera outbreak in Ekureku, Abi Local Government Area.
    The number of deaths is still not certain but the Director General of the State Primary Health Care agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong said the swift response team has registered about 30 persons receiving treatments in various health facilities within Abi local government area and the neighboring Yakurr Local Government Area.

    The incident which occurred with an index case on Thursday, was said to have been escalated on Saturday after the consumption of a contaminated water from the village drinking source.

    Speaking late on Saturday after a visit to the community and the health facilities where those affected are recuperating, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong regretted the unfortunate incident, saying it would have been averted if simple protocols were taken into consideration.

    According to her, the State Government Response team working with personnels of WHO, the Red Cross and WASH Programme swiftly responded to contain the spread of the outbreak in the area and rescued many lives.

    The DG, who was with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara and representatives from the state epidemiologist, confirmed that simples have been taken to ascertain cause of the incident.

    She said: “The State Government find this incident quite unfortunate and sympathize with families who have been affected.”

    She noted the transmission rate of cholera is often fast, confirming the number of deaths that may have been recorded and many other victims hospitalized in various government owned facilities.

    The victims are graciously responding to treatments, she added.

    She gave the assurance that the swift response team is applying every possible means to halt transmission as they have gone across the community sensitizing the people on the possible ways of managing the disease as well as speaking to the community leaders to support the state Government by lending their voices to ensure their communities adhere to hygiene protocols to end cholera and other related illnesses”.

    Besides the samples that had been taken and sent for confirmation, the DG of the State PHCDA noted that treatments of the water source in the area and fumigation in on course.

    The team also distributed drugs, consumables and other commodities needed for their response.

  • Cholera Kills 80 People In Nigeria As Cases Rise To 4,153

    Cholera Kills 80 People In Nigeria As Cases Rise To 4,153

    Cholera has killed 80 people across nine states of the federation as cases of the infectious diseases have risen to 4,153.

    This is according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Situation Report for week 39 which was obtained on Tuesday.

    Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the Vibrio cholera bacillus. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water, reappearing periodically in countries unable to secure access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation like Nigeria.

    In the latest report which covers September 5 to October 2, Borno State topped the infection chart with 2,626 cases.

    According to the NCDC report, 11 states account for 86 per cent of all cumulative cases, with Borno leading again with 3,663 cases, followed by Yobe State with 1,632 cases.

    Other states with reported cases are Katsina – 767; Taraba – 675; Cross River – 649; Gombe – 470; Jigawa – 417 and Bauchi (304).

    Yobe and Gombe States followed Borno State on the log with 718 and 317 cases respectively.

    Zamfara State recorded 212 cases, followed by Bauchi with 119, Jigawa, with 95, and Sokoto State with 47 cases.

    While Katsina recorded 16 cases, Adamawa came last on the log with three infections only.

    “Thirty-one states have reported suspected cholera cases in 2022. These are Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara,” the report read.

    “In the reporting month,9 states reported 4153 suspected cases – Borno (2626), Yobe(718), Gombe (317), Zamfara (212), Bauchi (119), Jigawa (95), Sokoto (47), Katsina (16) andAdamawa(3).

    “There was a 42% increase in the number of new suspected cases in September Epi week36- 39(4153) compared with August Epi week 31 – 35 (2428).

    “In the reporting week, Borno (883), Gombe (97), Bauchi (15) Yobe (8) and Sokoto (3) reported1006 suspected cases. Borno and Gombe states account for 97% of 1006 suspected cases.”

    Of all suspected cases in 2022, NCDC noted that 48 per cent are males and 52 per cent are females.

    NCDC noted that no Cholera Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and no stool culture was conducted in week 39 for all states, adding that “the National multi-sectoral Cholera TWG continues to monitor response across States.”

    The report also showed that of the total 256 suspected deaths in 2022, Borno State accounted for 93, followed by Yobe and Taraba states with 39 and 28 deaths respectively.

  • Cholera hits 31 States with 2187 confirmed cases- NCDC

    Cholera hits 31 States with 2187 confirmed cases- NCDC

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC , has disclosed that presently Nigeria is battling 2187 confirmed cases of Cholera in 31 states with 233 deaths from January to 25 of September, 2022.
    This was released by the NCDC website Public Advisory on Cholera and Water , Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria signed by NCDC Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa.


    According to NCDC, the outbreak was heightened by limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, open defecation, and poor hygiene practices.

    In response, the agency said it has moved to support affected states in risks communication, active case search, case management, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions through it’s
    multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group (TWG) together with partners include the Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

    NCDC urged Nigerians to keep their environments clean, only drink or use water that is boiled and stored safely, ensure food is cooked and stored in a clean and safe environment, avoid open defecation, and wash their hands regularly with soap and running water.
    The agency however warned that medical interventions alone are not sufficient to address the root causes -water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) – of cholera outbreaks.

    The NCDC Report stated, ” Cholera is a waterborne disease, which risk of transmission is higher in areas that lack adequate sanitation facilities and/or a regular supply of clean water. Unsafe practices such as improper disposal of refuse and open defecation endanger the safety of water used for drinking and personal use. These practices lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera. “
    “Without proper WaSH, Nigeria will continue to be at risk of cholera outbreaks along with the associated suffering and deaths. “
    “The long-term solution for cholera control lies in access to safe drinking water, maintenance of proper sanitation (especially the discontinuation of open defecation) and the practice of
    hygiene.”

    It called on State governments to priorities citizens access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation, and proper hygiene practices in Communities.

  • Ekiti Govt Reports Five Suspected Cases Of Cholera

    Ekiti Govt Reports Five Suspected Cases Of Cholera

    The Ekiti State Government has raised an alarm to keep residents on red alert after five suspected cases of cholera surfaced in the Moba Local Government Area of the state.

    The cases were detected by community informants who reported the same to local government health authorities.

    The Commissioner for Health and Human Services in the State, Dr Oyebanji Filani, highlighted the possibility of an outbreak of the disease in some other local governments.

    “Given the risk of this outbreak escalating rapidly across the state, the Ministry of Health has commenced active case finding across all LGAs,” he said via a statement issued on Friday.

    “State surveillance teams have been deployed to support the outbreak response at the LGA level. These teams are actively searching for and investigating suspected cases in health facilities, informal treatment centers, and within communities.”

    Filani explained that the ministry has also intensified action to ensure a coordinated and effective response to a possible outbreak, through the provision of medical and laboratory supplies for case detection and management, rapid scale-up of risk communications, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) activities.

    He advised residents to be on guard, visit the nearest health facilities at the slightest symptoms, and report suspected cases to appropriate authorities.

    “Considering the link between cholera, water sanitation and hygiene, a multi-sectoral team comprising of the state Ministries of Environment and Public Utilities has been set up with a meeting held among the ministries and commissioners on the 23rd of September 2021.

    “This multi-sectoral team will support LGAs to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the possible outbreak. It is very important to visit a health facility if symptoms of cholera such as watery diarrhea and vomiting are observed,” the commissioner added.

    “Cholera is a preventable and treatable epidemic-prone disease that is transmitted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The number of cholera cases tends to increase during the rainy season and the risk of death from cholera is very high when treatment is delayed.”

    He asked members of the public to be aware of the risk of the disease and adhere to prescribed preventive measures.

  • Borno Loses 35 And 150 Hospitalised As A Result Of Cholera Outbreak In Gwoza

    Borno Loses 35 And 150 Hospitalised As A Result Of Cholera Outbreak In Gwoza

    By Dauda R Pam Maiduguri

    An outbreak cholera (vomiting and diarrhea)has claimed 35 lives with 150 on admission at medical facility in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The Chairman of the local council, Professor Ibrahim Bulama, disclosed this with a call on the state and Federal Governments to come to the aid of the victims.


    Professor Bulama, who was in attendance at the presentation of Demands of Border Communities in Borno State, a function at the Multi-purpose Hall, Government House in Maiduguri, said the council needs urgent assistance to curtail the spread of the disease.

    He said that ten local governments that have borders with the republics of Chad,Niger and Cameroon lack social amenities like electricity, clean water supply, motorable roads, health facilities and security protection has rendered them vulnerable, stressing that the security system at the borders should be strengthened because movement of foreign nationales into the state is alarming.

    According to him “the easy movement is facilitated by the nature of the porous border which facilitates smuggling of arms and ammunition, hard drugs and other unwanted goods.”

    The Gwoza LGA Chairman pointed out that provision of security personnel and gadgets to man all borders is very important as insurgents take  advantage of lack of security personnel and porosity of the border to perpetuate their evil acts.

    “The provision of Hospitals, schools, clinics, roads, electricity, water supply and recreational facilities will invariably prevent our people from travelling to neighbouring countries for medical treatment and other things while young men and women will not be attracted to urban cities for green pastures.” Bulama said.

  • Cholera: Nasarawa govt. to Sensitize Communities to avert further outbreak in the state

    Cholera: Nasarawa govt. to Sensitize Communities to avert further outbreak in the state

    From Leo Nzwanke, Lafia

    Nasarawa State Government says it has intensified efforts in sensitising rural communities to avert further outbreak of cholera and other diseases in other parts of the state.

    Addressing journalist on Saturday at the ministry of environment after the August sanitation exercise in lafia,Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources Mr Musa Ibrahim stated that enlightenment is ongoing.

    According to the commissioner, ” in the last three weeks, the ministry had been engaging traditional, community and religion leaders on the need to enlighten their subjects to always maintain hygiene and ensure their surroundings were clean at all times.”

    In similar development, a mobile court, trying environmental-related cases, has prosecuted 32 persons alleged to have violated environmental sanitation laws during the August 2021 exercise in the State.

    The suspects were allegedly arrested while transacting their private businesses within the period of the environmental sanitation in contravention of the provision of the law.

    The Presiding Judge, Mr Abdullahi Lande, convicted and sentenced the suspected environmental sanitation offenders to six months imprisonment with options between five and fifty thousand Naira fine.

  • Cholera Outbreak: Death Tolls Rises to 8, Infects 66, Records 129 Cases In Kogi

    Cholera Outbreak: Death Tolls Rises to 8, Infects 66, Records 129 Cases In Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi state government on Wednesday promised to work with relevant agencies to ensure provision of portable water in communities within the state to ensure that diarrhoea disease is reduced to the barest minimum in the State.”

    Confirming the cholera Outbreak in three communities in Kogi, Lokoja and Ankpa local government areas of the state in a press release signed by the State Epidemiologist, Dr Austin Ojotu un behalf of the state Commissioner of Health on Monday said Diarrohea/vomiting have been reported in some Communities in five local government areas.

    “It has become very important for us as a Ministry to brief the press on the outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting suspected to be cholera in some Local Government Areas of the State in recent time”

    Among the affected local government areas according to the release are: Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, Ankpa and Kabba Bunu between February and August, 2021, recording 129 cases, 66 persons affected while 8 deaths have been recorded.

    “We were able to confirm cholera in three of the communities in Kogi, Lokoja and Ankpa LGAs with 66 persons affected and 8 deaths (CFR=12.12%).These are Border Communities with hard to reach terrains.”

    “It is important to mention at this point that most of the deaths have occurred before the reports got to the !ocal government/state authorities. Our findings also revealed that majority of the deaths in all the outbreaks occurred at home.” the statement added.

    The release pointed out that the state is working closely with the local government to avert further outbreaks by strengthening and sustaining community sensitization and mobilization as the State Ministry of Health has also supported the outbreak response with technical and response commodities.

    “The sensitisation would ensure that Communities adopted health safety measures such as good personal and environmental hygiene, washing of hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet, avoid open defecation, boiling of drinking waters and proper cooking and handling of food and vegetables before eating as these measures are very key in preventing diarrhoea diseases.”

    Kogi promised that Government would also collaborate with critical stakeholders and partners to ensure that no single individual dies of preventable disease in the state.

  • 60 Dead As Cholera Outbreak Hits Katsina Communities

    60 Dead As Cholera Outbreak Hits Katsina Communities

    At least sixty persons lost have their lives across many communities in Katsina State following the outbreak of cholera in the state. 

    The state Commissioner for Health, Yakubu Danja disclosed this on Saturday during the 2021 Annual General Meeting of the State chapter of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) held in the state capital.

    He, however, did not indicate when the deaths were recorded.

    Danja who revealed that health education regarding the prevention and management of the disease as well as active case search and surveillance were ongoing across the 34 LGAs of the state, explained that assorted drugs had already been purchased by the State Government for distribution to hospitals across the state for the treatment of the disease.

    “We are aware of the current outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting that is affecting some communities in the state. The state government is making efforts towards control of the outbreak,” the commissioner said.

    “Free drugs for the treatment of this outbreak are been purchased for distribution to hospitals for treatment of the cases.

    “Health education on prevention and management of the disease is ongoing. Active case search and surveillance is also ongoing across the state.

    “Presently, we have over 1,400 confirmed cases of cholera with over 60 recorded dead. Let me seize this opportunity to draw the attention of the general public to the fact that diarrhea and vomiting is a preventable disease.”

    The Health Commissioner further admonished residents in the state to ensure proper environmental sanitation, frequent hand washing, proper food hygiene, washing of all fruits and vegetables before eating as well as proper cooking of food items.

    Danja tasked food vendors to ensure that they cover their food items to avoid contact with flies.

  • Cholera Kills 325, Afflicts 14,343 In 6 Months

    Cholera Kills 325, Afflicts 14,343 In 6 Months

    Cholera has claimed 325 lives in six months with 14,343 suspected cases reported in 16 states.

    The latest cholera situation report of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that the affected states as at June 27 were Benue, Delta, Zamfara, Gombe, Bayelsa, Kogi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Kebbi, Cross River, Niger, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa.

    The report said there was an increase in the number of new cases in the last two weeks of June, adding that “Zamfara with 191 cases, Bauchi 2163 cases, Kano 891 cases, Kaduna 129 cases, and Plateau, 82, account for 95.2% of 3,543 cases reported in the last two weeks.”

    Findings by Daybreak revealed that the cases and deaths have been rising and spreading to more states since then

    For instance, fatalities from cholera in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have risen to 60, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu said yesterday.

    According to the NCDC, cholera is an acute diarrhoea disease caused by a bacteria called vibrio cholera. It is a potentially life-threatening, and primarily a water-borne disease.

    The bacteria  is transmitted mainly through the faeco-oral, that is by the ingestion of contaminated food or water and its transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

    Symptoms of cholera include nausea and vomiting, dehydration which can lead to shock, kidney injury and sudden death, the passage of profuse pale and milky, watery stool (rice watercoloured), and body weakness.

    It could also come with intense thirst and decrease in urine quantity, with or without abdominal pain, and with or without fever.

    Doctors say many affected persons may not manifest symptoms or may develop a milder form of the disease but will still remain carriers spreading the disease.

    FCT intensifies sensitisation as cases hit 60

    The FCT administration said it has intensified community sensitisation on disease as cases hit 60.

    Cholera first broke out in the Abuja Municipal Area Council on June 23, 2021, killing at least seven out of the 91 suspected cases.

    FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who spoke at the continuation of community sensitisation on cholera and other severe acute diarrhoea diseases outbreaks in Pyakasa and Gwagwa respectively also revealed that suspected cases have risen from 604 to 698 within 72 hours.

    According to a statement by the minister’s media aide, Mr. Austin Elemue, Aliyu was represented by the Ag. Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Iwot Ndaeyo.

    10 deaths recorded in Niger

    The Niger State Director of Public Health, Dr Ibrahim Idris, said the state has recorded 10 deaths from cholera, attributing the fatalities to ignorance on the part of the patients affected.

    “They’re about 400 cases of gastroenteritis some of which have been confirmed to be cholera. Over 10 local government councils in the state are affected as we speak but no case has been recorded in the state capital which would have been worst for the state because of its population,” he said.

    He said the state government had started sensitisation campaign and also released money for drugs for treatment.

    He said the councils affected include: Tafa, Suleja Gurara, Kotangora, Magama, Rijau, among others.

    33 people killed in Kaduna

    Executive Secretary of Disease Control Agency Kaduna State, Dr Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, said since the outbreak of cholera in the state 638 people were affected; out of which, 33 people have died in the state.

    He added that the state government had already formed a state Rapid Response Team that has visited the 16 local governments affected.

    He said the government had distributed water chlorine, which can be used to treat the water source at the affected LGAs.

    30 die in Jigawa

    The Permanent Secretary of the Jigawa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Salisu Mu’azu said that at least 30 people have been confirmed dead following the outbreak of cholera in nine local government areas of the state.

    Briefing newsmen in Dutse on Monday, he confirmed that 2,000 cases have so far been reported, noting that the first case was recorded in the last one month in Hadejia and Dutse before spreading to the other affected local government areas in the state.

    4 deaths in Yobe

    In Yobe, four deaths have been recorded, two other patients are hospitalised following the cholera outbreak that hit Girgir community in Jakusko Local government Area in the state.

    The Executive Secretary of Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr Babagana Kundi Machina said so far the case is witnessed in only one community in Jakusko out of the 17 local government councils in the state.

    Dr Machina said the index case entered the state from neighbouring Jigawa a few days ago.

    Ahmed Emre Girgir, a resident in the area who spoke with our correspondent via phone said the incident has thrown fear among residents.

     953 cases and 6 deaths in Plateau

    The Plateau State Government says cholera cases have reduced drastically compared to the cases recorded in the month of May and June.

    Daily Trust had on July 8, reported how the state recorded about 953 cases and 6 deaths within the month of May and June this year.

    But on Thursday, the State Commissioner of Health, Nimkong Lar, told Daily Trust that for the past 20 days, the state recorded only one case.

     Claims 119 in Kano

    According to the Kano State Ministry of Health, from March 5, this year to June 21, 2021, about 119 persons died from cholera in Kano State. The deaths were recorded from the over 3,000 persons who contracted the disease within the period.

    An Assistant Director of Public Health in the ministry, Bashir Lawan, told newsmen that the epidemic has affected 33 out of the state’s 44 local government areas.

    According to Mr Lawan, over 2,000 of the infected persons have recovered, while over 100 are currently receiving treatment at different health facilities in seven local government areas.

    Mr Lawan said Gaya and Bichi Local Government Areas have the highest number of infected persons.

    However, the Kano State House of Assembly called on the Kano State Government to expedite action in order to curtail the spread of cholera in the state.

    Some of those affected told Daily Trust that they experienced difficulty in accessing facilities whenever there are outbreaks.

    A father, whose son suffered from the cholera outbreak recently said he couldn’t get serious attention in the hospital when he took his son for treatment.

    Cholera kills 25 persons in Bayelsa

    Despite the fact that Bayelsa State has not recorded any reported case of death from cholera between May, June and July 2021, the disease had killed 25 persons in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state in April.

    According to indigenes of the area and some environmental experts, the blockage of rivers and sources of drinkable water due to ongoing construction of Yenagoa-Oporoma road had made the once freshwater, which the residents along the river depend on for drinking and domestic purposes stagnant.

    An environmentalist, Mr Furoebi Akene, however, advised Bayelsa State Government to reopen the blocked Silver River to check the spread of cholera in the area.

    Akene, Executive Director, Centre for Environmental Preservation and Development (CEPAD) said during an interview with newsmen on Monday that the blockade has worsened the spread of the infectious disease.

    He noted that the construction of the Yenagoa-Oporoma, which led to the blockade was avoidable as there were many alternatives that would not require blockage of the water channel.

    Commissioner for Health in Bayelsa, Dr Newton Igwele had on April 8 confirmed the outbreak of Cholera in Southern Ijaw LGA and assured that the state has deployed epidemiologists and acquired vaccines to tackle the disease.

    NGO says 591 cases recorded in Bauchi, urges NCDC to declare state of emergency

    ActionAid Nigeria has called on the Bauchi State Government and NCDC to declare a state of emergency on the outbreak of cholera in the state.

    Director of Programmes of ActionAid, Hajia Suwaiba Yakubu Jibrin, made the call in Dass town where over 300 persons have been admitted for the disease.

    She said, “In fact, there is an urgent need for the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to come to the aid of the people of Bauchi State to stem the spread of the disease to other communities. It is even surprising that the NCDC is yet to wade in despite a report of 591 confirmed cases between 29th May to July 16th 2021.”

    According to her,   as at June 17, the State’s Primary Health Care Development Agency said over 2,800 persons were hospitalised while 42 deaths were recorded.

    She implored households to observe critical hygiene rules during Sallah celebration and beyond by ensuring that food is prepared under hygienic conditions to prevent further spread of cholera that may claim the lives of the innocent.

    The Residence Programme Coordinator of ActionAid, Anicetus Atakpu regretted that “There is a disconnect between agencies of government because if there is better synergy, the record of infected persons and fatality will not be this high, so we advise the government to bring in more hands”.

    The organisation had donated 1,500 kits to cholera treatment centres in Bauchi, Ningi, Dass and Toro.

    The Bauchi State Ministry of Health has declined to comment on the current situation of the cholera with various conflicting figures casualties and infections of hundreds ravaging the people of the state.

    When contacted, Head of ministry officials handling the cholera outbreak and Executive Chairman Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Rilwanu Mohammed insisted that he will not give any updates or comments on the cholera situation in the state.

    How to prevent cholera

    Medical experts say maintaining personal and environmental hygiene are ways people can protect themselves from getting the disease. This includes regular washing of hands with soap and water.

    The environmental hygiene involves clearing away the dirty water and making sure the water that one consumes is treated, through boiling or using chlorinated solutions before ingesting, to kill the bacteria in the water.

    They also advised people who are taken care of anyone with diarrhoea, who is vomiting to wash their hands very well whenever they come in contact with the person’s clothing and faeces.

    NCDC‘s response to the outbreak

    The Director General of NCDC Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said the response is being coordinated by the national multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) hosted at NCDC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR), National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and partners.

    He said the state-level EOC has also been activated in some states , adding that  the centre is also conducting training on cholera surveillance, hotspots mapping and also developed state-level preparedness and response plans.

    The centre said given the increase in cholera cases, it continues to advocate improved access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene while responding to the outbreak.

    Contributed by Ojoma Akor & Terkula Igidi (Abuja), Romoke W. Ahmad (Minna), Mohammed I.Yaba (Kaduna), Hope Abah Emmanuel (Makurdi), Ibrahim Baba Saleh (Damaturu), Ado Abubakar Musa (Jos), Zahraddeen Yakubu Shuaibu (Kano), Bassey Willie (Yenagoa) & Olatunji Omirin (Maiduguri) Hassan Ibrahim (Bauchi)