Nigeria is facing a new cholera outbreak, with a rising death toll and increasing number of suspected cases.
The Nigeria Biosafety Agency has sounded the alarm, warning citizens to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves against the disease.
According to reports, 30 people have already lost their lives to the outbreak, with 1141 suspected cases reported across several states.
The affected states include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.
Cholera is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is typically found in contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Symptoms of cholera include acute profuse, painless watery diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and fever.
Most infected people may only show mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all, making it essential to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist.
The Nigeria Biosafety Agency has urged citizens to adhere to hygiene practices to prevent the spread of cholera. These include:
– Frequent handwashing with soap and water
– Drinking boiled or chlorinated water
– Avoiding raw or undercooked food
– Proper disposal of human waste
– Avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms
The agency has also called on healthcare workers to be on high alert and report any suspected cases immediately.
This fresh outbreak comes as a concern to Nigerians, especially considering the country’s previous experiences with cholera outbreaks.
In 2020, a cholera outbreak in the country’s north-central states claimed over 100 lives.
The Nigerian government has been urged to take swift action to contain the outbreak and provide necessary support to affected communities.
