The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has disclosed 30 persons have died as a result of a recent cholera outbreak in some States across the country.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Director General of NBMA, Dr Agnes Asagbra made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday.
Dr Asagbra also disclosed that 1,141 suspected cases have been reported, while while urging Nigerians to exercise caution as the festive period of the Salah celebrations approaches.
“As we approach the festive period of the Salah celebrations, it is of utmost importance that we collectively prioritize the health and safety of our communities.” She said.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cholera remains a global threat to public health and is an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.
Meanwhile, the NBMA has called on the general public to exercise caution over the cholera outbreak, especially in States where the outbreak has been reported.
TNG reports the highly contagious bacterial infection has been reported in Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos States.
We are monitoring the situation, Nigerians should be at alert – Dr Asagbra cautions
Meanwhile, Dr Asagbra has said NBMA, in collaboration with health authorities, was actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to contain the spread of the disease.
She also called on Nigerians to imbibe various hygiene practices such as “boiling drinking water or using certified water purification methods, washinghands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food, and after using the toilet, cooking food thoroughly and consuming it while hot, avoiding raw foods such as fruits and vegetables unless they can be peeled or washed with safe water and keeping the environment clean while disposing of waste properly to prevent contamination.”
According to her, “NBMA urges all Nigerians to be vigilant and adhere to these hygiene practices to protect themselves and their loved ones from cholera.
“We also encourage community leaders and health workers to disseminate this information and assist in educating the public about preventive measures.”
Dr Asagbra further called on Nigerians to be at alert and report any case of cholera to the nearest hospital.
She said, “If you or anyone you know exhibits symptoms of cholera, which include severe diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting, seek urgent medical attention at the nearest hospital. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.”