Home NEWS HEALTH Outbreak Of Cholera Claims 7 Lives, Affects 91 In Abuja

Outbreak Of Cholera Claims 7 Lives, Affects 91 In Abuja

Outbreak of suspected cases of cholera has claimed the lives of seven victims, as it affected 91 residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Acting Secretary of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), Dr. Mohammed Kawu made this known in Abuja at a news conference today, June 24.
Dr. Kawu explained that out of the 91 suspected cases, three were tested positive through the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits.
The secretary, who said that the other affected area councils are Bwari and Gwagwalada, however, said that no death recorded in Gwagwalada and Bwari.
He said that from May 2021, FCT began to receive reports of sporadic cases of gastro-enteritis in some communities namely; Wassa Community Internally Displaced Persons Camps, Dei Dei, Zuba Community, Shenagun and Kubwa in three area councils.
Dr. Kawu said that the health secretariat through the department of public health had intensified surveillance in the communities and health facilities also directed the area councils to do the same.
He said that the secretariat had provided some Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits drugs and consumables in some of the health facilities with reported cases.
He said that the secretariat is in the process of distributing drugs and consumables to the remaining health facilities, including some key primary health facilities.
According to Dr. Kawu, community sensitisation on preventive measures is ongoing.
He enjoined the FCT residents to report any case of diarrheal to the nearest health facility or the department of public health.
The secretary also advised residents to ensure that all food are properly cleaned and well cooked before consumption.
Dr. Kawu also advised residents to ensure that wastes, especially faecal wastes are hygienically disposed.
Cholera is a severe faeco-oral gastro intestinal infection caused by the bacteria, vibro-cholerae, Sero-type 01 or O139.
Source: NAN.

Leave a Reply