50 suspected cholera cases recorded in three LGAs in Bauchi: Official

Mr Mohammed said, “We don’t have any confirmed cases of cholera in Bauchi State, but we have 50 suspected cases and one suspected death.”

News Agency of Nigeria • July 1, 2024

A photo of Cholera patients used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: The New York Times]

The Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board says it has received 50 suspected cholera cases from three local government areas since January.

The board’s executive secretary, Rilwanu Mohammed, made this known at the inaugural ceremony of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Bauchi on Monday.

He listed the areas as Bauchi, Giade and Toro, respectively.

Mr Mohammed said, “We don’t have any confirmed cases of cholera in Bauchi State, but we have 50 suspected cases and one suspected death.

“People should adhere to protocols of sanitation and hygiene and report symptoms to a nearest health facility.”

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced an outbreak of cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which has spread to more than 30 states.

The centre also reports that as of June 24, 2024, there were 1,528 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases and 53 deaths across 107 local government areas in 31 states, reflecting a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.

The NCDC, therefore, urged Nigerians to adopt safe sanitation practices and called on state governments to enforce stricter waste management regulations as health workers and the public
observe good hygiene and cleanliness.

On MNCH week, Mr Mohammed said, “There will be outreach services in schools and communities, targeting 2.2 million children under five years old from today, July 1, till Friday, July 5.”

He explained that during the week, the people would be provided with vitamin A supplements, deworming medication, and antenatal and postnatal services.

Mr Mohammed said other services include birth registration, nutrition counselling, and screening.

“Many newborns do not survive their first few days of life due to lack of access to basic healthcare services, while many children suffer from malnutrition and preventable diseases that rob them of their potential,” he stated.

The board scribe reiterated the commitment of the Bauchi State government to invest in the health sector.

(NAN)

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