The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kuden Kamshak Deyin, has confirmed the death of five persons and 126 suspected cases, following a fresh outbreak of the cholera epidemic in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
Deyin, who disclosed this in Jos, also said two cases of Monkey Pox had been recorded in Shendam Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that the cholera outbreak was recorded in six wards of Naraguta B, Abba NaShehu, Lamingo, Angwan Robot/Rimi, Ali Kazaure and Jenta Adamu electoral wards.
The commissioner said, “For the past two years, the state did not record any cholera outbreak. But this year, from epidemic week on the May 23, 2018 up to date, we have list of 126 cases of cholera outbreak and five deaths. The epidemic is recorded in six wards in Jos North Local Government Area.
“People need to protect themselves against cholera by having the appropriate vaccinations beforehand, drinking only water that is boiled or from a sealed bottle and following good hand washing practices, which is very important to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Deyin advised residents to seek medical attention immediately, if they experienced symptoms such as leg cramps, vomiting and diarrhea while in a community where the diseases exist.
He urged the public to avoid salads, raw fish, and uncooked vegetables and ensure that food is thoroughly cooked, water is bottled or boiled and safe to consume. He also advised them to avoid street foods, as this could transmit cholera and other diseases.
Deyin explained that he raised the alarm on the looming cholera outbreak in the state during the last State Executive Council Meeting, following incessant dumping of dirt in strategic locations in the state.
He also noted that the two cases of Monkey Pox was imported from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, where the victim came to Jos for treatment and the elder brother became infected, and both were treated at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos and discharged.
The commissioner said government was making efforts to curtail the outbreak of the epidemic and urged the public to join hands with the authorities in observing the necessary preventive measures.
