Cholera, otherwise known as gastroenteritis has so far killed 23 people with 265 infected across 13 local government areas of Sokoto state, the health Commissioner, Dr Ali Inname has confirmed.
He gave the names of the local government areas as – Rabah, Wurno, Dange Shuni, Kebbe, Gwadabawa, Tangaza, Isa, Bodinga, Wamakko, Silame, Illela, Sabon Birni and Yabo, adding that Gwadawaba was worst hit.
The commissioner, therefore, said “it is important for the public to know that the disease is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted from person to person through casual contacts.
“Others are drinking contaminated foods or water, contaminated cloths, surfaces, beds, bed sheets, vomit and faeces.”
According to Inname, investigation revealed that the disease escalated because of the rainy season and sources of drinking water, including open wells were contaminated, while open defecation and other poor sanitary challenges had contributed.
He said that two teams were established on case management comprising medical doctors that would go round for spot assessment and treatment in affected areas.
Inname added that a team of environmental health officers had also been raised to go round for sensitisation on preventive measures toward containing the situation.
The Commissioner further said that a rapid response team was reactivated across the state, while drugs and consumables’ provisions were repositioned.
He advised people to boil their drinking water, cover open wells against flooding of rain water, report any case to nearby health centre and avoid home treatments.
