From Our Correspondent
Anambra State Government, on Tuesday, said it has not recorded any case of Cholera outbreak yet in any of its health facilities.
Dr Afam Obidike, the State’s Commissioner for Health, announced this to newsmen in Awka, the state capital.
He, however, told newsmen in Awka, that the ministry has already activated the Emergency Response Teams.
Obidike said the team are in all 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said the proactive measures and heightened vigilance in the state followed reported confirmed cases of cholera in neighbouring states of Imo, Abia and Delta.
“Although Anambra has not yet reported any case of cholera, we have activated the state’s Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers across the 21 LGAs in response to a cholera outbreak in Nigeria.
“Emergency response teams are also actively conducting surveillance in communities across the 21 LGAs.
“This is to enable the team to promptly identify and contain any potential cases,” TheNewsZenith quoted the commissioner as saying.
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According to him, the government has started public education campaigns to raise awareness about cholera.
“We emphasize preventive measures within homes and communities.
“The ministry has engaged the media to disseminate crucial information and educate the public about symptoms and prevention for cholera.”
The commissioner described cholera as an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
According to him, the bacterium poses significant health risks due to its potential to cause severe dehydration and vomiting. And in severe cases, death if left untreated.
Obidike said that the transmission of cholera was primarily through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
He urged residents to imbibe clean, hygienic and safe health practices and be vigilant within their environment.
“As of January 2024, Nigeria has been grappling with a significant cholera burden, with 1528 suspected cases and 53 reported deaths across 31 states and 107 LGAs.
“So, the collaborative efforts of health authorities, emergency response teams and community members are crucial in containing the spread of cholera and mitigating its impact on public health,” he said.
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