The Akwa Ibom government says it has initiated precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak of cholera.

The health commissioner, Augustine Umoh, disclosed this in an interview in Uyo on Friday.

Mr Umoh said the state government has commenced sensitising residents in all 31 LGAs to the need to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.

He said that the state government has also stocked primary health centres in the state with adequate drugs in case of an outbreak of cholera.

“For now, there is no reported case of cholera outbreak in the state. We have commenced sensitisation of residents to maintain hygiene, both personal and environmental.

“Residents during this period are advised to boil water before drinking, wash their hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially after use of the toilet and before eating, and wash fruits and other food items before eating,” Mr Umoh advised.

The commissioner added that the state government has reactivated all emergency operations centres across the state to handle any outbreak.

He said the government would continue monitoring and ensuring surveillance, especially in the border communities.

Mr Umoh advised residents to take salt sugar solution in case of diarrhoea and report to the nearest health centre for prompt action.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in a recent report, said between Jan. 1 and June 11, it recorded over 1,141 suspected cases with over 65 confirmed and 30 deaths in 96 local government areas in 30 states.

(NAN)