5 dead as cholera hits Plateau state
At least 5 persons have reportedly died from cholera in Plateau state, according to the state commissioner of Health Dr. Kuden Kamshak Deyin.
He said the cholera outbreak was recorded in six wards of Naraguta B, Abba NaShehu, Lamingo, Angwan Robot/Rimi, Ali Kazaure and Jenta Adamu electoral wards. Dr. Deyin made this disclosure during a press briefing in Jos.
According to him, 126 suspected cases of cholera epidemic occurred in Jos North Local Government Area of the State. He also said two cases of Monkeypox have been recorded in Shendam Local Government area of the state.
He said the reported two cases of monkeypox did not originate from the state, rather they were ‘imported’ from Port Harcourt, where a victim came from to Jos for treatment, and the elder brother became infected, and both were treated at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, and discharged home.
Dr. Deyin said, “In the last two years, the state did not recorded any cholera outbreak, but, this year, from epidemic week on the May 23, 2018, till date, we have long list of 126 cases of cholera outbreak and five deaths.”
Dr. Deyin reiterated that he raised alarm on the looming cholera outbreak in the state during the last State Executive Council meeting, following incessant dumping of wastes in strategic locations in the state.
He further enjoined the people to imbibe the habit of “protecting themselves against cholera, by having the appropriate vaccinations beforehand, drinking only water that is boiled or from a sealed bottle, and following good hand-washing practices, which is very important to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Dr. Deyin advised the residents to immediately seek medical attention, if they experience symptoms, such as leg cramps, vomiting and diarrhea while in a community where the disease exists.
He urged the public to avoid salads, raw fish and uncooked vegetables, and ensure that food is thoroughly cooked, water bottled or boiled and safe to consume, and avoid street food, which, he said, can carry cholera and other diseases.
Dr. Deyin said government is making frantic effort to curtail the outbreak of the cholera and urged the teeming public to join hands with government in observing the necessary preventive measures.