Tag: cholera

Borno declares cholera outbreak, 43 killed

The Borno state government on Tuesday declared an outbreak of Cholera in the state.

The declaration followed the death of 43 persons who suffered from the disease across seven local governments of the state.

Juliana Bitrus, the Borno State Commissioner for Health, said 559 suspected cases have so far been recorded but only 57 out of that number were hospitalized.

According to her, the outbreak was detected in seven local governments, including Gwoza, Kaga, Hawul, Magumeri, Damboa, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere.

Gwoza has the highest prevalence with 72 suspected cases, 18 deaths and 35 persons currently on admission.

Out of the seven local governments, Maiduguri has the lowest suspected cases and recorded no death.

The Commissioner noted that isolation wards have since been established in secondary health centers for the management of the disease.

Cholera spreads through contaminated food and water, with symptoms such as diarrhoea and dehydration.

August 31, 2021
Cholera kills 146 people in Kebbi

The Kebbi Epidemic Rapid Response Team on Thursday said that 146 people have died following cholera outbreak in the state this year.

The leader of the team and Permanent Secretary, Kebbi Ministry of Health, Dr Aminun Haliru-Bunza, disclosed this when the team briefed Gov. Atiku Bagudu and his Deputy, Col. Samaila Yombe-Dabai (Rtd), on the cholera outbreak in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team met the governor and his deputy at the Council Chambers of Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday.

Haliru-Bunza, who is also the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, said a total of 2,208 cases of diarrhea and vomiting were reported between January and August this year.

The team told the governor that “between January and August, 2021, 2,208 cases of Diarrhea and Vomiting have been reported in 20 out of 21 Local Government Areas of the state, out of which 55 samples were tested and 26 turned out positive.

“A total of 146 deaths have been reported across the state, however the team clarified that for Cholera , a single confirmed case is termed as an outbreak (Epidemic) of Cholera in an area.”

While calling on the general public to observe personal and environmental hygiene, the team advised people to avoid open defecation.

During the meeting, the need for inter sectoral collaboration of stakeholders was also emphasised.

The Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr Abubakar Kaoje, was among other team members that briefed the governor.

August 13, 2021
Cholera: FCTA intensifies sensitisation as death toll reaches 60

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified community sensitisation on cholera and severe diarrhoea diseases outbreak, as death toll rises from 54 to 60.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, made the disclosure at the continuation of sensitisation on cholera and other acute diarrhoea diseases in Pyakasa and Gwagwa communities on Thursday in Abuja.

Aliyu indicated that suspected cases of cholera in the territory rose from 604 to 698 within 72 hours.

Represented by Dr Iwot Ndaeyo, the acting Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, the minister said that Abaji Area Council also recorded three suspected cases with no death.

She said that “Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) recorded 281 suspected cases with 22 deaths and Bwari Area Council recorded 134 suspected cases with 22 deaths.

“In Gwagwalada Area Council, 220 suspected cases with nine deaths were recorded, Kuje Area Council had 23 suspected cases with four deaths and Kwali Area Council recorded 37 suspected cases with three deaths.”

Aliyu described the ugly trend as “unacceptable in the FCT”, adding that “the administration would not fold its hands and watch residents die helplessly over preventable diseases.

“We must take every necessary steps to curb further spread.”

She urged FCT residents and critical stakeholders to publicise the message of cholera prevention, proper sanitation
with the practice of hand hygiene in their respective communities.

Earlier, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Alhaji Abdullahi Candido, affirmed the council’s commitment to forestall continuous spread of the disease to adjoining and other communities.

He said the Primary Health Care Department of the council had embarked on sensitisation to
the four chiefdoms in AMAC to enlighten the traditional rulers and their councils about the cholera outbreak and preventive measures.

He added that “on our part as an area council, we swung into action immediately we received the news of the outbreak and its confirmation in June.

“We quickly mobilised our health personnel in our primary healthcare facilities for prompt responses.

“Following the recommendations from the outbreak report, we provided funds for quick purchase of drugs, infusions and other treatment materials and consumables, in addition to the ones we received from the FCT Public Health Department.”

Candido noted that “the Disease Control Unit of our Primary Health Care Department through Disease Surveillance Notification Officers, had been working tirelessly in different communities of the council, including the hard-to-reach fields.

“This will enable the officers to trace and report cases at the primary healthcare facilities for free treatment.”

He, therefore, commended the professional competence, commitment and zeal of the council’s health workers and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCTA in combating the life threatening
disease.

July 22, 2021
Cholera: Rivers LG chairman promises to address water shortage

Mr Erastus Awortu, the Chairman, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers, says the council administration will address the problem of water shortage to curb the menace of cholera.

He made the promise on Wednesday at Ibot-Irem, Andoni Local Council of Rivers during his tour of eight communities recently sacked by cult gang war.

He said the administration had commenced water reticulation project as proactive step to check cholera outbreak ahead of the dry season usually associated with the disease in the area.

He added that “Andoni is an area where cholera is almost endemic, basically because we lack potable water; so, the provision of potable water is one of the cardinal concerns of my administration.

“We will ensure that we banish cholera out of Andoni.”

Awortu explained that while the council administration endeavoured to ensure the safe return of displaced persons, it would also ensure that the area no longer remained vulnerable to cholera.

He said “just as we are trying to ensure the safe return of displaced persons, we also find it necessary to provide potable water in the communities to check cholera, which leads to deaths during dry season.

“The first phase of the water project will be the installation of a 20,000 gallon capacity tank that will reticulate water to Ibot-Irem and adjoining communities.

“The project is ongoing and will be inaugurated soon.”

Lamenting the high level of damage to properties and loss of lives suffered during the cult gangs clashes, Awortu charged the people to be responsible for sustainable peace in the area.

“Many innocent persons have died as a result of persistent cult wars, especially in some communities like Ibot-Irem, Dema and Ajakajak, the crises got worse in the past one year when the people eventually fled the area.

“When we assumed office, we took the first step by visiting those who were displaced and who took refuge at Kaa, in Khana Local Government Area and assured them of their safe return.

“With the full cooperation of the Rivers Police Commissioner, Friday Eboka and the Gov. Nyesom Wike, we deployed security personnel to the affected communities and today, peace has been restored.

“We were able to achieve this within a short period because we are resolute in our commitment to peace, things are gradually returning to normal in the once deserted areas,’’ he said.

He also promised to liaise with the relevant authorities to ensure that a police station was returned to the area, adding that there had been no police presence there for a long time.

July 22, 2021
Cholera outbreak kills 30 in Jigawa

A cholera outbreak in Jigawa has killed at least 30 people with more than 2,000 hospitalised in the past two months in the state.

Dr Salisu Mu’azu, Permanent Secretary, Jigawa State Ministry of Heath, who confirmed the outbreak, said that most of the infected cases were children recorded in nine local government areas of the state.

Mu’azu listed Hadejia; Dutse, Kirikasamma, Birnin Kudu and Ringim as some of the areas worst hit by the outbreak.

He said that of the 2,000 infected cases, some had been discharged while others were still receiving free medical treatment in government hospitals.

The permanent secretary, who could not immediately say what was the cause of the outbreak, insisted that the Hadejia case could be linked to water pollution.

He alleged that there was possibility of water contamination from an area where people practiced open defecation near the water vendors who collect and circulate the water to residents of Hadejia town.

Mu’azu said the state government was on top of situation for now, and has been providing necessary assistance to the residents in the affected areas.

The permanent secretary said the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) had supplied some medications and promised to send more soonest.

July 20, 2021
30 killed by Cholera outbreak; 2,000 hospitalised in Jigawa

A cholera outbreak in Jigawa has killed at least 30 people with more than 2,000 hospitalized in the past two months in the state.

Dr Salisu Mu’azu, Permanent Secretary, Jigawa State Ministry of Health, confirmed the development.

He said that most of the infected cases were children recorded in nine local government areas of the state.

Mu’azu listed Hadejia; Dutse, Kirikasamma, Birnin Kudu and Ringim as some of the areas worst hit by the outbreak.

He said that of the 2,000 infected cases, some had been discharged while others were still receiving free medical treatment in government hospitals.

The permanent secretary, who could not immediately say what was the cause of the outbreak, insisted that the Hadejia case could be linked to water pollution.

He alleged that there was a possibility of water contamination from an area where people practiced open defecation near the water vendors who collect and circulate the water to residents of Hadejia town.

Mu’azu said the state government was on top of the situation for now and has been providing necessary assistance to the residents in the affected areas.

The permanent secretary said the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) had supplied some medications and promised to send more soonest.

July 20, 2021
Cholera outbreak cause of seven deaths in Enugu market -Commissioner

The Enugu State Ministry of Health has revealed that cholera was the cause of demises of seven persons in the New Artisan Market.

It also said that 19 others who were infected had been evacuated to the State Teaching Hospital, ESUT-Parklane, for treatment.

This is contained in a statement the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi, released Friday night.

Obi noted that the ministry had begun surveillance, contact-tracing and risk assessment at the market and its environs, adding that Health Emergency Operations Centre for Cholera outbreak would be activated on Saturday in response to stop further spread.

The statement partly reads, “The Enugu State Ministry of Health received reports of deaths occurring suddenly, after a short spell of illness, on Friday morning, the 16th of July 2021 around the New Artisan livestock market in Enugu, Enugu State.

“Upon immediate investigation by the Ministry of Health’s rapid response team, it was observed that the patients presented with sudden onset of passage of loose stool and vomiting. It was revealed that the illness had resulted in the death of seven persons, and that subsequently, several others numbering about 19 were ill with the same symptoms of loose stools and vomiting.

“The ill persons identified within the area were immediately and safely evacuated to the state teaching hospital and are receiving treatment, while health education on safe and hygienic practices were given to the inhabitants of the market.”

He added, “Further tests carried out by the State Ministry of Health at the teaching hospital revealed that all the persons were suffering from Cholera. Samples were collected for further confirmatory tests of this finding.

“Surveillance, contact tracing and risk assessment have commenced at the market and its environs, while the Enugu State Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Centre for Cholera outbreak response will be activated on Saturday 17th July 2021.

“Cholera is an infection caused by some strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Risk factors are from poor sanitation, and contaminated drinking water.

“The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea that lasts a few days. Vomiting and muscle cramps may also occur. Symptoms range from none, to mild, to severe. Diarrhea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even death. Symptoms start two hours to five days after exposure.

“It is prevented by improvements in sanitation, use of clean water, hand washing and vaccines. Treatment involves replacement of lost body fluids orally or intravenously, zinc supplementation and antibiotics.

“While we commiserate and pray with those who have lost their loved ones, we enjoin the general public to keep safe as the situation is under control and the Enugu State Ministry of Health will keep the public informed on future developments.”

July 17, 2021
20 dead as Cholera outbreak hits Bauchi

At least 20 persons have been confirmed dead in a fresh cholera outbreak ravaging different parts of Bauchi State.

According to reports, about 322 persons have been infected.

Dr Aliyu Mohammed Maigoro, the State Commissioner for Health, confirmed this while giving an update on the situation during a media briefing on Tuesday morning.

Maigoro said the outbreak has spread across nine local government areas since the first case was recorded in April.

According to the Commissioner, the index case was a 37-year-old patient, who was admitted at Burra General Hospital on 24 April 2021.

May 25, 2021
14 die from Cholera outbreak in Benue

Fourteen persons have died from Cholera outbreak in Agatu Local Government Area and Abinse, a riverine community in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State.

This is as health workers race to contain the spread and halt fatalities from the outbreak.

The Commissioner for Health, Joseph Ngbea disclosed this on Friday while presenting additional drugs and consumables to the health officers at Agatu General Hospital to tackle the outbreak.

Ngbea confirmed that 10 persons died in Agatu and four others died in Abinse.

“In Agatu, 10 people have died so far. On the day we went there, it was seven fatalities. Yesterday, we had an additional three. The update, yesterday was that neighbouring villages had a surge in cases. They were advised to move to the General Hospital.

“In Abinse, there were no beds and drugs and we had to involve specialists from the General Hospital. Four persons died in Abinse,” the health Commissioner explained.

He said further that over 30 persons were treated at both primary health care and private hospitals noting that most victims suffer severe dehydration.

He added that pediatricians have been deployed to help in fluid management while the medical doctor in charge of Agatu general hospital assures that, with the drugs, the battle to contain the spread is almost won.

Items distributed include water guard, ORS, Zinc among others.

Ngbea advised residents in the riverine areas to stop consuming contaminated water.

January 15, 2021
Cholera outbreak kills 13 in Kenya

Kenya’s Ministry of Health stated on Thursday that 13 people have died due to cholera following heavy rains pounding several parts of the nation.

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mutahi Kagwe, said medical personnel are working round the clock to control the reported 550 disease cases, mostly appeared in northern Kenya.

“It is unfortunate that we have lost 13 Kenyans to the disease, 12 of them in Marsabit and one in Turkana,’’ Kagwe told journalists in Nairobi.

“Regrettably, most of the case, 40 per cent and sadly, 70 per cent of the deaths too, have been among children aged 10 years and below.’’

The official said other cases have been reported in Garissa in north-eastern Kenya and that the outbreak gradually made its way to Wajir, Turkana and Muranga in central Kenya.

He said that 48 cases in Garissa, four in Wajir and eight in Muranga have been controlled, following quick intervention by health personnel.

Kagwe announced that the government has enhanced intervention and that cases in Marsabit and Turkana in the northern region will be contained over the next two weeks.

“We believe that this is feasible, given the fact that the outbreak is currently localised to only two areas – Marsabit and Turkana,”’’ he added.

Cholera is a gastrointestinal disease, usually spread by contaminated water and food.

It can cause severe diarrhoea that, in extreme cases, can lead to fatal dehydration and kidney failure within hours.

May 22, 2020