Cholera: Edo declares state free, intensifies awareness campaign

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As Nigeria faces a new cholera outbreak, which has already affected several states and caused fatalities, the Edo Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) has urged residents to prioritize personal hygiene and sanitation practices.

During an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Benin City, the Edo state capital, Irene Uabor, a Health Educator with the EDSPHCDA, stated that the agency has begun sensitization efforts about the disease at the local government areas.

Uabor noted that, “while Edo has not recorded any cases of cholera, the risk of the disease spreading is significant, necessitating proactive measures to prevent an outbreak.”

She explained that cholera is characterized by severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to rapid dehydration and, if left untreated, can be fatal within hours.

“Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food.

“Recent outbreaks in neighbouring states have raised alarms, highlighting the urgent need for heightened awareness and preventive actions”.

She emphasised the importance of clean water and proper sanitation, saying “Cholera thrives in environments where water and food sources are contaminated with fecal matter.

“Ensuring access to clean drinking water, proper disposal of waste, and maintaining personal hygiene are key to preventing cholera.”

“Residents are advised to boil water before drinking, avoid eating street food, and wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

“Communities are also encouraged to improve waste management practices, ensuring that dirt is disposed of in designated areas and not left in the open where it can contaminate water sources”, she said.

She added that the agency has intensified media campaigns to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against the disease in the state.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced it had activated its emergency center as the death toll from the recent cholera outbreak reached 53 nationwide.

This update was shared by the agency on its official X platform on Monday.

NCDC said, “Following a dynamic risk assessment of the #cholera epidemiological situation which placed the country at a very high risk of increased cholera transmission, we have activated the National #Cholera Emergency Operations Centre (EOC),” the NCDC said.

“As of 24th June 2024, a total of 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been recorded across 31 states.”