By Queen Kunde
In a bid to stop the further spread of cholera to uninfected states and helping already infected states to overcome the challenge, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has taken measures to holistically address the disease in Nigeria.
Recall that Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto states have been hit by the disease resulting in deaths and other residents already infected.
To investigate the presence of the causative organism, a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi disclosed that the Ministry has dispatched a team from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto to collect water samples.
The statement said “The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation is deeply concerned about the reported outbreak of cholera in some States of the Federation resulting in the death of 30 persons which attests to the severity of the situation. Cholera is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
“It is a waterborne disease that spreads rapidly. The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms of cholera include vomiting, profuse dehydration, and diarrhea (rice water stools), which can lead to death if not properly treated.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and their loved ones.”
On the way forward, the statement added “The Ministry through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG), is urgently reaching out to States’ Technical Working Groups and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs), where applicable, to holistically address the outbreak.
“Prior to the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had trained the
States’ working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response mechanisms, as well as on hygiene promotion and water safety planning approaches to prevent and respond to cholera outbreaks.
“Expectedly, these states have intensified similar sensitization efforts in their respective communities to reduce the number of cholera cases. They are also promoting the campaign against open defecation, which is a means of transmitting this deadly disease,” it stated
It also urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their families from the infection through the following measures:
“Boil or treat drinking water before consumption.
“Wash your hands with soap under running and clean water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
“Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating.
“Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, profuse dehydration, and diarrhoea (rice water stools).”
The Ministry in the statement said,” we will continue to provide updates as received from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and its response efforts as the situation evolves”.
“Together, we can overcome this challenge and prevent the further loss of lives.” the statement concluded.