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Tag: Cholera

  • Oyo rolls out measures against cholera outbreak in public schools

    Oyo rolls out measures against cholera outbreak in public schools

    The Oyo State Government has implemented measures to prevent cholera outbreak in public basic schools, advising headteachers to ensure that food handlers follow strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination.

    Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran handed down the instruction on Saturday in Ibadan. 

    He said the State Government, through the Board, is on top of its game to ensure public basic schools are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of students.

    Adeniran urged parents, guardians, and school authorities to adhere to safety guidelines.

    He said the board will work with Education Secretaries, Headteachers, and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.

    The advisory emphasised the importance of hand hygiene, recommending that children carry hand sanitizers and frequently wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.

    He also recommended that schools keep Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) available in school clinics to manage dehydration cases promptly and to notify the State emergency hotline, 615, immediately in case of any health emergencies or suspected cholera cases.

    Adeniran said preventive measures including comprehensive health talks on cholera prevention among learners and staff, and safe drinking water practices, will be conducted regularly. 

  • Cholera outbreak: Bayelsa faults NCDC’s surveillance report 

    Cholera outbreak: Bayelsa faults NCDC’s surveillance report 

    The Bayelsa state government through its ministry of health has faulted the inclusion of Bayelsa on the list of states affected by cholera epidemic outbreak as recently published by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in its disease surveillance report. 

    The permanent secretary of the ministry, Toyin Azebi, refuted the report at a joint press briefing shortly after a meeting of the Bayelsa Task Force on Immunization and Health Services presided over by its Chairman and Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in Government House, Yenagoa.

    Recall that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control had in its recent Epidemiological Week 22, 2024 report, placed Bayelsa as amongst the states  with the highest burden of cholera cases.

    Azebi, who pointed out that there was no confirmed outbreak of cholera in Bayelsa in recent times, noted that the NCDC’s pronouncement of cholera outbreak in the state, was a total misrepresentation and should be dismissed as such.

    She emphasised that all suspected 449 cases of cholera in the state from January to date, had turned out negative from clinical laboratory tests, as they were proven to be cases of gastrointestinal diarrhea.

    Read Also: Cholera kills 62-year-old woman in Ogun, five hospitalised

    The permanent secretary said the ministry had reached out to the NCDC on the issue, and they had reviewed the state data again and found out that their initial report was incorrect and agreed to issue a rebuttal which they had not done as at the time of the press  briefing. 

    She said: “The NCDC report is a gross misrepresentation of the Bayelsa data, and we have tackled them on it. They have reviewed our data with us and will soon do another pronouncement excluding us as a state with a cholera outbreak.

    “Since January 2024, there have been 449 suspected cases of cholera reported across the eight LGAs. Importantly, only two new suspected cases were reported in the most recent week, indicating no new cases. We are able to even report these cases of watery diarrhea because of our optimized surveillance system across the state.

    “Extensive testing has been conducted to confirm cholera cases. Out of 42 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) carried out, only 14 returned positive.  Crucially, all 14 positives from the Rapid Diagnostic tests turned out negative when subjected to culture test.

    “Culture tests are the gold standard for cholera diagnosis, and no cases have been confirmed by this method. And this attests to no outbreak.

    “In summary, the cholera situation in Bayelsa State is under control with no culture confirmed positive. The state government is taking active and comprehensive steps to manage the situation effectively, ensuring public health and safety.”

    Commenting on the issue of a dead  whale found on the shores of coastal Okpoama community in Brass Local Government Area of the state, reportedly being butchered for food, Azebi cautioned the people to refrain from the act as it could lead to a serious epidemic outbreak.

    Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, Jones Stowe, said the state’s disease surveillance system was well fortified, noting that all suspected cases of cholera were negative to culture test.

    On the few reported cases of yellow fever across the eight LGAs in the state, Dr Stowe informed that the Ministry was taking proactive  steps to ensure no deaths and no further spread of the infection.

    According to him,  presumptive positive cases, are being monitored closely while the confirmation tests are awaited  from Dakar in Senegal.

  • Cholera kills 62-year-old woman in Ogun, five hospitalised

    Cholera kills 62-year-old woman in Ogun, five hospitalised

    Cholera outbreak has left a 62-year-old woman dead and five others hospitalised in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

     The 62-year-old  woman succumbed to cholera while caring for her infected child, who is among those hospitalised.

    The incident which was said to have occurred three days ago was confirmed Dr. Tomi Coker, Commissioner for Health 

    Coker said: “A 62-year-old woman died and five persons were hospitalised. It happened in Ijebu-Igbo in the Ijebu-North local government area of the state.”

    Ogun chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Kunle Ashimi, who spoke reporters on  Thursday evening, admitted the widespread impact of cholera, which, according to him, has affected other 30 states across the country.

    According to him, cases would be treated free of charge at designated facilities and urged residents to imbibe preventive measures against the spread of cholera.

    Ashimi said: “Such patients will be transported to and treated free at the facilities designated for the management of cholera cases across the state.

    Read Also: 21 deaths in 401 Lagos cholera cases

    “We use this opportunity to appeal to our people to imbibe preventive measures for the prevention of the spread of Cholera, including avoiding open defecation, avoiding indiscriminate refuse dumping, washing hands regularly, washing fruits and vegetables well before consuming and treating water before consuming it either by boiling or treating with chemical purifying agents.

    “We advocate that where there is no wherewithal to do this, two drops of plain household bleach in 1 litre of water is a good alternative. We also implore schools to monitor food, fruit and snack vendors around the schools to ensure that they practice proper hygiene. As well, schools should reintroduce hand washing stations like was done during the COVID-19 period.”

  • EXPLAINER: Is cholera incurable?

    EXPLAINER: Is cholera incurable?

    Nigeria has recorded 65 confirmed cases of Cholera with 30 deaths from 1 January to 11 June across 96 local governments in 30 states, says the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

    The identified Cholera strain, according to the Lagos Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi, is “highly aggressive and contagious, with the potential for widespread” concerns, heightened by the rainy season.

    According to the NCDC, a total of 1,141 suspected cases have been recorded in 2024. Ten states contributed 90 per cent of the total number.

    The States are Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos.

    The situation has increased the panic among Nigerians and an increase in the false information on the nature of cholera and its outbreak.

    In recent times, there has been misinformation circulating regarding the treatment of cholera, with some mistakenly claiming it to be an incurable disease.

    It is true that severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration however cholera itself is indeed a treatable and preventable disease.

    Here are some of effective treatment protocols:

    The cornerstone of cholera treatment revolves around two critical components: rehydration therapy and antibiotics.

    Rehydration Therapy: This is the fundamental treatment for cholera, aimed at replacing lost fluids and electrolytes due to severe diarrhea and vomiting. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a simple yet highly effective method, containing a precise balance of salts and sugars dissolved in clean water. ORS can be administered even in resource-limited settings and is pivotal in managing mild to moderate cases of cholera.

    In cases where oral intake is insufficient or impractical due to severe dehydration, intravenous fluids (IV) are administered. IV fluids rapidly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, stabilizing the patient’s condition and preventing complications.

    Antibiotics: While not always necessary for all cases, antibiotics play a crucial role in treating cholera by reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Commonly prescribed antibiotics such as doxycycline, azithromycin, or ciprofloxacin target the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, aiding in faster recovery and lowering transmission rates during outbreaks.

    Read Also: Cholera: UNICEF puts states on red alert to curtail spread

    Supportive Care: Beyond rehydration and antibiotics, additional measures such as zinc supplementation and nutritional support are provided to bolster recovery, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

    Prevention Is key

    Preventing cholera outbreaks hinges on robust public health measures:

    Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensuring communities have access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities is pivotal in preventing cholera transmission.

    Vaccination: In endemic areas or during outbreaks, cholera vaccines are deployed to protect at-risk populations. Vaccination campaigns are crucial in containing outbreaks and reducing the overall burden of the disease.

  • Lagos, Ogun, Oyo govts move to check cholera outbreak

    Lagos, Ogun, Oyo govts move to check cholera outbreak

    The Lagos State Government yesterday confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera across multiple local government areas of the state and urged vigilance especially during the Eid el Kabir.

    It said the ailment has already claimed 15 lives.

    It called for the support of residents in bringing the situation under control efforts by adhering strictly to precautionary measures, cooperating with health authorities and participating in community-wide sanitation activities.

    The governments of neighbouring Ogun and Oyo states rolled out precautionary measures of their own to prevent the spread of the ailment to their territories.

    Lagos State Health Commissioner Akin Abayomi said laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub type O-1.

     This subtype, according to him, is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.

    He said: “Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts.

    “However, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, signalling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal and environmental hygiene measures.

    “The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment has collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.

    Read Also: Oyo issues alert over suspected cholera cases

    “We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the state. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), public health education campaigns.

    “During this Ileya festive season, residents are advised to drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitiser and avoid over crowded places.

    “Reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately is also crucial to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of community.

    “Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of government’s standard public health response.”

    Ogun rolls out precautionary measures

    As part of the efforts to prevent possible outbreak in Ogun State, the government made it mandatory for every house to have a toilet.

    “Each house without a toilet should identify a room to be converted to a toilet. Residents are given three to six months of grace for compliance,” Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said.

    Other measures are: “All petrol stations MUST have functional public toilets with running water as part of their corporate social responsibilities.

    “All garages and parks MUST have functional toilets with running water.

    “All markets MUST have functional public toilets with running water.

    “Mechanic villages MUST have functional toilet with running water.

    “All schools (public and private) should have public toilets with running water.”

    Besides, residents were asked to “drink safe water that is boiled or chlorinated; wash your hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet and before handling food; wash fruits and vegetables properly with safe water before eating and for preparing food; cook food properly. Buy and eat only hot food; use water from reliable sources.”

    Oyo issues health alert 

    The Oyo State Government called for more vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent a potential cholera outbreak in the state.

    Health Commissioner Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, during a visit to a private hospital in Ibadan where two persons with suspected cholera cases were receiving treatment pointed out that cholera is a bacterial infection spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by the faeces of an infected person.

    She said: “The two suspected cases in Ibadan, which have been tracked down to a private facility, are male workers at a construction site at Lekki Peninsula in Lagos State.”

    She however assured that there was no cause for alarm as the Ministry and other partners were on top of the situation.

    Ajetunmobi disclosed that the state government’s response efforts, through the Ministry, were aimed at ensuring the state does not record casualties from the cholera outbreak in Lagos State.

    “The response efforts include promotional jingles in English and Yoruba, running in different media houses; an immediate inauguration of the Cholera Technical Working Group; putting active isolation management centres in place; and sensitisation of the gatekeepers and other well-established community structures,” she said.

  • Cholera: 10 deaths, 210 new infections recorded in eight states

    Cholera: 10 deaths, 210 new infections recorded in eight states

    • ‘WHO needs $160m to combat cholera in seven countries’

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease and Prevention Control (NCDC) has registered 210 new suspected cases of cholera infections and 10 “suspected” deaths in eight states from July 31 to August 27.

    The centre announced this on its official website in its latest monthly situation report on cholera covering epidemiological (EP) weeks 31 to 34.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera, a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera, is primarily transmitted through contaminated water and food and is most commonly found in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

    The symptoms of cholera include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    The NCDC said the suspected cases and deaths of cholera this year have decreased by 63 and 67 per cent, compared to what was reported during Epidemiological Week 34 in 2022.

    The nation’s disease watchdog said as of August 27, the country registered 84 suspected deaths and 2,860 suspected cases in 25 states, representing a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 2.9 per cent.

    “Cumulatively, it shows that six states – Cross River (718 cases), Katsina (302), Bayelsa (265), Ebonyi (227), Niger (136), and Abia (118) – account for 62 per cent of the suspected cases in 2023,” it said.

    The NCDC said in eight states that reported 210 suspected cases, Zamfara, in the Northwest, topped the infection chart with 190 cases, followed by Kano, and Bayelsa states with seven and five cases.

    Also, Bauchi, Niger, and Borno states reported two cases each, followed by Gombe, and Adamawa states with a single case each.

    The agency noted that 21 Cholera Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) were conducted with nine positive results (Zamfara – eight and Bayelsa – one), while 26 stool culture tests were conducted with three positive results.

    The NCDC said the national multi-sectoral Cholera TWG continues to monitor response across the states.

    Also, the WHO has appealed for $160.4 million to respond to cholera through the global strategic preparedness, readiness, and response plan in seven countries.

    Read Also: Agency serves closure notices on Ladipo, Ijora 7-Up, Tejuosho, other markets

    In a statement yesterday, the global health body said $16.6 million had been released from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies for cholera response in 2022 and 2023.

    The affected countries, it said, are: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Malawi, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syrian Arab Republic.

    “WHO is supporting countries to respond to cholera outbreaks on an emergency footing through the strengthening of public health surveillance and case management.

    “Also, through prevention measures, providing essential medical supplies, coordinating field deployments with partners, and supporting risk communication and community engagement,” it said.

    The WHO explained that the new analysis confirmed the world seeing an upsurge of cholera.

    The global health watchdog said the comprehensive cholera statistics for 2022, which it published, shed light on the scale and extent of the ongoing cholera upsurge.

    According to WHO, while data for cholera remains inadequate, the cases reported to it in 2022 were more than double those in 2021.

    WHO also said 44 countries reported cases, a 25 per cent increase from the 35 countries that reported cases in 2021.

    “Not only were there more outbreaks, but the outbreaks were larger.

    “Seven countries – Afghanistan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Nigeria, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic – have each reported over 10 000 suspected and confirmed cases,” it said.

    WHO said the larger the outbreak, the harder it typically is to control.

    According to the global health watch, current data for 2023 suggest that this global upsurge is continuing.

    “Twenty-four countries are currently reporting active outbreaks, with some countries in the midst of acute crises,” it said.

    The WHO noted that increased demand for cholera materials has been a challenge for disease control efforts globally.

    It said that since October 2022, the International Coordinating Group (ICG), the body which manages emergency supplies of vaccines, has suspended the standard two-dose vaccination regimen in cholera outbreak response campaigns, using instead a single-dose approach.

  • Our Girls; Flood; fire; Cholera

    Our Chibok girls were kidnapped on April 15, 2014. Inexplicably Our Dapchi girl-child, 15, Leah Sharibu is not released. Why?

    The foreign media is preoccupied with their flood and the flood in the East Asia. We are on our own and must deploy boat, boats, boats, boats from all over the country to alleviate the serious suffering in the affected states.

    Where are the new faces of the politics of today and tomorrow? Are there none within the two main parties? We are swamped with yesteryear’s aged men and women with yesterday’s fossilised ideas which matured not into development milestones but instead floundered and highly costly ‘today’s failures’. They have constituted themselves into a nationwide poster blitz of picture posters everywhere –roundabouts, walls, even your own body if you stand still long enough. This national portrait gallery, many say similar to a rogues gallery, did not rescue Nigeria. How many are featuring in EFCC or Interpol investigations? The membership is made up largely of politicians in JAPIP=Join Any Party In Power.  Are most presidential and governorships candidates merely hoping to be paid off or bought out?

    I had hoped that Buhari’s would be a single four-year term, laying irreversible foundations for a new Nigeria following which the next four years would see a new, younger, knowledgeable leadership  take over in 2019 led perhaps by Osinbajo. Of course, I have not forgotten that Nigeria is cursed by the decision, written or unwritten, that a presidential term is eight years divided into two four terms interrupted by an often sham election. Looking casually at the names and faces seeking nomination in both of the major parties for president in particular, we see no fresh faces, just washed old faces again and again. Old faces who are not associated with any particular landmark achievement apart from ‘media noise’ and being persons of questionable love for Nigeria but great personal self-aggrandisement over 20, 30 40 and even 50 years at the helm of affairs or in the corridors of power or a phone call away from advising the incumbent president of the time if not actually being the president.

    The array of photographs reads like a ‘Who Is Who’ of past political failures and few acceptable achievements. One is left not with hope but a cold chill of the country facing criminal continuity of power by the same people who failed again and again to take Nigeria to a level of normal development meeting collective world community measured international standard as best measured against the MDGs, SDGs and various UN indices.

    Nigeria Super Eagles coach captured on Ghana video being bribed to take footballers into our national team, received a token rubbish slap on the wrist by being banned and told to hands-off football and football related matters for just one year. That is a petty punishment for ‘Bringing Nigeria into Disrepute’. Dismissal without prosecution is not effective. No jail term for breach of trust, breach of contract to be honest?

    The stupendous amounts of money charged for merely taking a form to run for party offices once again makes Nigeria a laughing stock of the world of politics. For President N45m is 207 years minimum wage at N18,000/month. Can any political scientist explain the moral or even financial justification for this high-handed and highly inflationary political position? To accumulate N45-55m not as total earnings but as savings or profit over earnings is no easy task and means more than N450-550m to save that amount as spare funds. Of course the donors will expect reimbursement when power comes. Who can give away N45m just for good governance? Announce the donors.

    Cholera in the time of water scarcity? Naturally. Cholera is expected when water supplies are down or contaminated. There is no excuse for any government to have citizens dying of cholera. Each LGA gets about N1b /year every year for ever even if their governors, LGA council members misappropriated the funds. Water is life. Dirty water is gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhoea typhoid and of course death. Too many Nigerians share the water of animals like goats, cows and camels. We are incubating disease in our water and yet seem unpleasantly surprised when our poor citizens die from drinking such water. Kano has just made a pact with federal government to jointly establish a 30-year water project. This is strange as Kano already through its 44 LGAS and its questionable population census figures get a lion’s share of the federal allocations every month. Why add another special relationship binding the federal government to supply what for 30 years. Who knows what is in that contract to the disadvantage of other parts of Nigeria.

    If smoking and passive smoking can ‘seriously damage your health’, then the pollution of the thousands of hectares of burning forest worldwide will cause health problems. Add to this pollution by hydrocarbons, easily seen on the smoky, choky, coughing  road of a 1000 belching tankers –diesel, petrol and household kerosene and gas – and firewood and charcoal and we can really see how from home, the street to office to bed we are haunted by pollution. The volcanic eruption is the equivalent of 1,000 or 10,000 diesel trucks or 100 factories emitting poisonous smoky fumes from their exhaust pipes. Now it is proven that micro-particles of such roadside smoke can poison you.

     

    • Uncover ‘I LOVE NIGERIA’ KNOWLEDGEABLE CANDIDATES for 2019 -SDG 16.

  • Bwari Area Council allays fear of cholera outbreak

    The Bwari Area Council in FCT says necessary measures are being put in place to forestall further spread of cholera in the area.

    The Head of Department of Health in the Council, Dr Sunday Goji, told our reporter on Thursday that the council had engaged traditional heads on the need to sensitise their subjects on hygiene.

    NAN reports that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had confirmed the death of seven people from the outbreak of cholera in four communities in the territory.

    The breakdown revealed that two deaths each were recorded at Kubwa village, Mpape and Ushafa, while one was recorded at Sauka.

    Goji said that the cases fit into the definition of cholera, but added that the council was awaiting final laboratory confirmation on some of the reported cases.

    According to him, various forms of sanitation are ongoing within the communities, people have been informed of the dangers of unhygienic environment.

    Read Also: Bwari town: A case study in dirtiness

    He said that the council had stocked the health centres with drug, and urged the public to take any individual with life threatening symptoms to the centres for immediate attention.

    He also stressed the need for proper tests and diagnoses on patients who exhibit symptoms of cholera.

    Goji added that the council would continue to monitor the situation; while assuring the citizens that it would do all it takes to ensure that the communities were free from filth through sensitisation campaign.

  • Cholera: Kano confirms 28 deaths, 400 cases of Diarrhea

    Kano State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Getso on Tuesday, confirmed that the state has recorded 28 deaths in the state between the month of January and July this year as a result of 400 cases of acute watery diarrhea recorded in the state with 50 confirmed cases of cholera across 33 Local Government Areas of the State.

    According to him, the state Government through his ministry has instituted several control measures to combat the out break which is currently experienced in 17 states of the federation, Kano inclusive.

    “ As you might be aware, the country is currently experiencing increased incidence of acute watery diarrhea and an ongoing cholera outbreak in 17 states.

    “ The sum of N32 Million Naira has been provided to tackle the outbreak, Rapid Respond Team has been set up as well as mounting of continues surveillance for all epidemic prone diseases.

    Getso who spoke during a press briefing to mark the flag off of first round of 2018 maternal, newborn and child health week in Kano said that, the control of the out break, depends not only on government but also on other key stakeholders such as the civil society organizations, media, community-based organizations, families and individuals. Assuring that the situation is highly under control.

    The commissioner advised the general public to adopt safety measures such as; drinking safe and clean water by using chlorine to treat the water, avoid open defecation, ensure regular washing of hands with soap on a regular basis as well as ensuring that suspected cases are reported to a nearby health facility among others.

    In the same vein, the state government has set aside N98 million for the provision of essential drugs for MNCH week, in which such services would be provided free of charge for the benefit of the women and children in the state.

    He said that the state government targets 2.7 million under 5 children as well as 500, 000 pregnant women for immunization.

    He further stressed that, as part of the state government’s commitment to ensuring good health delivery system in the state, over 4 billion worth of drugs and medical consumables have been provided by the Ganduje administration, adding that arrangements have been made to employ the services of 150 nurses to address shortage of man power in some of the state hospitals.

  • Cholera: Nine killed, 20 hospitalised in Kano

    No fewer than nine persons have been killed in Gwarzo local government area of Kano State with 20 others hospitalised following suspected outbreak of cholera.

    The affected villages include Lakwaya, Kofar Aerwa, Kofar Yamma, Abuja Kwatas, Gwarzo Bare-Bari and Unguwar Tsauni all in the council area.

    Last week, eleven persons died in three villages of Bebeji local government area with over forty hospitalised of suspected case of cholera.

    Ibrahim Sale, a resident of Kofar Arewa, said: “My neighbour’s daughter, Khadeeja aged 5, died on Thursday afternoon despite receiving over ten bags of drips after vomiting and stooling for two days while four others are in the hospitals. Apart from six other deaths recorded in about four villages.”

    Our correspondent who visited the general hospital discovered most of the patients were afflicted with symptoms peculiar to cholera.

    Mariam Yusuf, mother of four-year-old Zainab, who has been hospitalised for three days, said her daughter apart from vomiting and stooling is running temperature despite receiving about 15 drips.

    “Since she was hospitalised, there has been little improvement. Two patients died of similar disease this morning a young man and a little boy. Honestly I am scared; I pray my daughter will survive it,” the distraught mother lamented.

    Health personnel at the hospital refused to speak with newsmen claiming they were not authorised to do so.

    The Council chairman, Bashir Kutama, who confirmed the outbreak, said eight persons have died from the symptoms.

    He said the Council has procured medication to support the patients.

    The District Head of Gwarzo Alhaji Shehu Bayero said immediately the suspected cholera outbreak was discovered, the authorities were notified and residents are being sensitised to check the spread

    Efforts to speak with the Commissioner for Heath Dr Kabiru Getso were unsuccessful.