Dr Ibrahim Kabir, an environmentalist and former Director-General of the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), has raised an alarm over a possible cholera outbreak as the rainy season intensifies.
In an interview with NAN on Thursday in Bauchi, Kabir urged residents to adopt strict hygiene and environmental safety measures to prevent an outbreak.
He attributed the spread of cholera to poor sanitation and the consumption of contaminated food and water.
“Cholera is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water, largely a result of poor sanitation,” he said.
Kabir cautioned that even food or water that appeared clean could carry harmful bacteria if hygiene was compromised.
He noted that pathogens could spread through air, water, animals, and footwear.
He also highlighted that open defecation, especially in rural areas without proper toilet facilities, posed a significant threat.
“When rain falls, fecal waste from open areas often washes into drinking water sources or food zones. This is how cholera spreads rapidly,” he explained.
To prevent contamination, he advised that toilets should be built at least 10–15 meters away from wells or boreholes.
“People don’t realise that their neighbour’s poor waste system can pollute their own water,” he warned.
Kabir also urged residents to consult urban planning authorities before constructing homes, to ensure proper layouts and adherence to environmental safety standards.
He noted that while chlorination of water helped, it must be combined with consistent hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, proper food covering, and safe waste disposal.
He called on community leaders, health officials, and the media to ramp up public awareness campaigns.
“Health and cleanliness go hand-in-hand. Prevention is cheaper than cure,” he emphasised.
