Reports say that Kogi State recorded eight deaths from suspected cases of cholera on Wednesday.
The state’s epidemiologist, Dr Austin’s Ojotule spoke in a statement in Lokoja, the state capital.
Speaking for the Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu, he said seven communities were affected five councils: Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, Ankpa and Kabba Bunu.
He cited that they were recorded between February and August, with the eight deaths from three communities.
”It has become very important for us to brief the press on outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting suspected to be cholera in some local government areas.
”So far, Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, Ankpa and Kabba Bunu councils have been affected between February and August.
”Seven communities were affected with 129 cases.
”However, we were able to confirm cholera in three communities in Kogi, Lokoja and Ankpa councils with 66 affected and eight deaths (12.12 per cent). These are border communities with hard-to-reach terrains.
”In all, the Ministry of Health has supported the outbreak response with response commodities and technical support.
”The state is working with the local government to avert further outbreaks by strengthening and sustaining sensitisation and mobilisation.
”People with diarrhoea and vomiting are encouraged to visit the nearest health facility as soon as they notice symptoms,” he said.
The commissioner vowed that the government would collaborate with stakeholders and partners to ensure no single individual dies of preventable disease, saying: ”We will work with relevant agencies to ensure potable water in communities to ensure that diarrhoea disease is reduced .”
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