By Lizzy Carr, Bauchi
Bauchi state government has reported 322 cases with 20 deaths from cholera outbreak and case fatality put at 2.2%.
The state commissioner of health, Dr Aliyu Maigoro disclosed this when he briefed newsmen on Tuesday.
According to him, the ministry was notified of sporadic gastroenteritis in a community in Burra District of Ningi local government area with a 37 years old housewife as an index case.
“Intensified surveillance disclosed that the outbreak has spread to nine local government areas, with Bauchi local government having the highest number of 147 and nine deaths.”
Dr Aliyu said that Shira local government recorded 58 cases with three deaths and Ningi Local government 51 with three deaths.
“Government has activated cholera treatment units in Bauchi metropolis at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital; State Specialist Hospital, Urban Maternity and PHC Kandahar while each General Hospital in all the 20 local governments areas will be used as isolation centers.”
The outbreak notification, the commissioner further said, showed that the cholera is localized with the cause linked to water source.
“We also had a source from a place that houses Almajiri who defecate in the open.
“For effective management and control, the ministry has reactivated six pillars that include surveillance, case management, risk communication, water and sanitation, logistics and coordination.
“Currently, wells have been chlorinated in high risk areas and the state is working in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, and Medicins Sans Frontiers, among others,” he said.
Dr Aliyu called on the public to maintain clean environment, practice frequent hand washing and report cases of stooling and vomiting to the nearest health facility.
