The Oyo State Government has called on residents of the state to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and take preventive measures to combat the spread of cholera.

The state government made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Ibadan by the Commissioner for Environment, Abdulmoheed Mogbonjubola.

Mr Mogbonjubola said the World Health Organisation had confirmed the ongoing cholera outbreak in some parts of Nigeria, as part of the global resurgence of cases of the disease.

He classified the outbreak as “currently a grade 3 public health emergency” requiring maximal WHO system wide response.

He said that Nigeria had been identified as one of the 14 countries in Africa where the resurgence was being experienced.

“However, Oyo State, currently has no cholera case as the suspected cases have returned negative after due tests,” he said.

The commissioner noted that a cholera outbreak in neighbouring states had put the government on its toes.

He urged residents of the state to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace.

He further implored everyone to take preventive measures such as: keeping their environment clean always and disposing of waste properly at designated places.

Mr Mogbonjubola also disclosed that the state government had begun a community awareness campaign for the prevention of the disease.

He added that the government was increasing surveillance, providing resources for safe water and ensuring that health facilities were prepared to handle any case.

(NAN)