Cholera kills five in Kano, scores hospitalized as govt. spends N20 million on drugs

No fewer than five people have lost their lives in the northern Nigeria city of Kano as cholera ravages the commercial state, keeping 336 on sick bed.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Labaran Yusuf while confirming the incident said the state government has spent over N20 million in providing drugs and care for the victims.

He alerted residents to immediately report discovered cases of gastroenteritis and vomiting to healthcare centres for prompt medical attention, adding that it is the major symptom of cholera.

However, the Commissioner disclosed that the State Government has adopted measures to address the situation, adding that it has not only procured drugs but has also embarked on mass health education, as well as the creation of Cholera treatment centres.

Dr Yusuf disclosed that public awareness campaign has begun in earnest, highlighting preventive measures, which among others include hygienic practices, as well as to avoid patients, who have already contacted the disease.

The Health Commissioner that all residents must compulsorily wash vegetables and fruits before consumption, as well as to avoid eating roadside prepared food and unprotected drinks.

He listed other measures to include the restriction and confinement of victims and to ensure that water must be boiled before drinking for drinking, “avoid unwashed vegetables and fruits, and ensure to wash your hands after making use of the toilet.''

Also, Dr Yusuf has directed all healthcare facilitators to restrict themselves from venturing into isolated areas, warning that cholera is a killer disease.

“Equipped all healthcare centres with drugs, and intensified enlightenment of the general public and the procurement of N20 million drugs, which has been distributed to the 44 Local Government Areas of the state, as the disease is contagious,” he stated.