The PUNCH reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Wednesday said no fewer than 31 deaths have been recorded so far this year as a result of cholera outbreak in the country.
The agency added that the deaths were recorded in 15 states, including Cross River, Taraba, Borno, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Kebbi, Rivers, Ondo and Lagos.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of WASH in Emergency Working Group in Abuja, the NCDC’s Senior Emergency Response Officer, Jessica Akinrogbe, disclosed that 1,359 confirmed cases of cholera had been recorded from January till date.
She said, “A total of 1,359 confirmed cases of cholera have been recorded from January till date. At least 31 deaths have been recorded so far.
“The deaths were recorded in 15 states, including Cross River, Taraba, Borno, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Kebbi, Rivers, Ondo and Lagos among others.
“Out of these states, Cross River and Taraba had the highest cases of 558 and 282 respectively.’’
Akinrogbe said the centre had deployed rapid response teams in the states to curtail the spread, adding that with the approaching rainy season, efforts must be geared towards preventing recurrence.
The Deputy Director, WASH Response and Collaboration, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Olu-Daniels Ibiyemi, said the Federal Government had started intervention activities in Kano and Katsina States.
He added that the two states were also part of the cholera hotspot sites, saying the ministry would continue to support states through advocacy and coordination and urged the states to take responsibility on preparedness and response plan.
