Cholera Toll Rises To 30 Deaths; 1,141 Individuals Treated In Hospitals

Cholera Toll Rises To 30 Deaths; 1,141 Individuals Treated In Hospitals

The National Biosafety Management Agency has issued a warning to the public regarding the recent cholera outbreak affecting several states in Nigeria.

Mrs. Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Communications at NBMA, conveyed a statement from Dr. Agnes Asagbra, Director-General of NBMA, emphasizing the importance of caution. Asagbra highlighted the alarming statistics of 30 deaths and 1,141 suspected cases of cholera across Nigeria.

“With the approaching Salah celebrations, Asagbra stressed the collective responsibility to prioritize community health and safety. Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food or water, has been identified in states including Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.”

Asagbra assured that NBMA, in collaboration with health authorities, is actively monitoring and implementing containment measures.

She urged Nigerians to adopt essential hygiene practices such as boiling drinking water or using certified purification methods. Regular handwashing with soap, particularly before eating or preparing food, and after using the toilet, was strongly advised. Additionally, precautions included thorough cooking of food and avoidance of raw items like fruits and vegetables unless washed with safe water. Maintaining cleanliness and proper waste disposal were also emphasized to prevent contamination.

“As the situation evolves, NBMA calls on all Nigerians to stay vigilant, follow these hygiene guidelines, and promptly report any suspected cases of cholera to the nearest healthcare facility.”