Kogi State has reported two confirmed cases of cholera, making it one of the six Nigerian states experiencing mild outbreaks. The State Commissioner for Health, Mr. Abdullazeez Adam, disclosed this in Lokoja, noting that one victim has been treated and discharged, while the other is responding well to treatment.
Adam highlighted that 31 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are facing epidemic levels of cholera. In contrast, Kogi and five other states have not reached epidemic status. He stressed the importance of reporting and confirming cases through laboratory tests to accurately track the disease’s spread.
Adam explained that unreported cases, where individuals treat themselves at home without visiting healthcare facilities, do not get counted. He emphasized the need for confirmed cases to be reported and tested, which is done by sending samples to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja.
To address the cholera situation, Kogi State has taken several measures. The government has deployed Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in all wards across the 21 local government areas. These officers are on alert to report any disease outbreaks. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are ongoing via radio, television, and handbills in local languages and English.
Adam urged the public to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent cholera. He also mentioned that the state has medical supplies ready for deployment in case of an outbreak, with additional support from the NCDC.
In a related development, the Niger State Government reported no confirmed cholera cases but remains vigilant. Dr. Idris Ibrahim, Director of Public Health, stated that surveillance officers are monitoring the situation and ready to respond to any outbreak.
Similarly, in Nasarawa State, the Health Commissioner, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, reported 29 suspected cases of cholera, with one death. These cases are still under investigation. The state has intensified sensitization efforts and deployed Disease Surveillance Officers to monitor and report any suspected cases.
Both Niger and Nasarawa states have emphasized the importance of personal hygiene and prompt medical attention to prevent and control cholera outbreaks.
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