The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it has activated a multi-sectoral National Cholera Emergency Operations Centre to curb the increase in cholera cases across the country.

The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, disclosed this in statement made available to Newsmen in Abuja.

It was reported that since the beginning of 2021, 10,833 suspected cholera cases have been recorded with 112 confirmed cases and 289 deaths.

In the last month, an increasing number of cholera cases have also been reported across the states. The most affected states are Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara, Bayelsa and Kaduna, NCDC said.

“The EOC is co-led with the Federal Ministries of Environment and Water Resources, given the link between cholera and water, sanitation and hygiene.

“The National EOC has been supporting states to ensure a coordinated, rapid, and effective response to the ongoing outbreak.

“This includes the deployment of National Rapid Response Teams (RRT) to support the response at the state level, provision of medical and laboratory supplies, scale-up of risk communications amongst other activities,” he explained.

“The resources that have been developed as part of Nigeria’s COVID-19 response were being used to strengthen the response to the cholera outbreak.

“This includes the digitalisation of the national surveillance system, establishment of laboratories and treatment centres and training of health workers, among others,” he added.

Cholera is a preventable and treatable epidemic-prone disease that is transmitted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Ihekweazu, therefore, urged Nigerians to be aware of the risk of the disease and adhere to precautionary measures to ensure safety.

“Boil and store water in a clean and safe container before drinking. Prepare, cook and store food safely.

“Wash hands frequently with soap under clean running water to prevent infectious diseases including cholera. This is especially important after defecation and before handling food or eating.

“Avoid open defecation and indiscriminate refuse dumping which contribute to the spread of cholera.

“Visit a health facility immediately if you have symptoms such as watery diarrhoea,” he advised.

He noted that this was a critical measure to prevent cholera cases and outbreaks.

Ihekweazu also called on State Governments to continue to provide access to clean water for citizens.

Plateau state has recorded 953 cases of cholera and 14 deaths, the state has also treated and discharged 910 cholera patients while 29 others are currently receiving treatment in various health facilities.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nimkong Lar, disclosed the figures at a press briefing at the end of the state executive meeting at Government House Jos.

The disease, which was previously recorded in Jos North Local Government, has spread to 13 local Government areas, requiring concerted efforts to address.

Lar said that, the National Centre for Disease Control was in the state to help tackle the outbreaks.

Also speaking, the commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Dan Manjang, said the council has approved the procurement of hospital equipment.

The equipments would facilitate access to quality and affordable health care service delivery to the residents of the state.

Other contracts approved include, over N65 Million award for renovation and remodeling of the state primary health care board and provision of office furniture and the renovation of the governor and deputy governor lodges in Kaduna.

The commissioner for finance, Dr. Regina Soemalat, said that the projects would be funded through bank loans, explaining that the state has never defaulted in its loans.

Ebonyi state has recorded 12 suspected cases of cholera outbreak and 3 deaths in Amachi-Igwebuike village of Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area.

The Acting Commissioner for Health, Dr. Richard Nnabu who confirmed it, immediately after the visit of the State Epidemiologist to the area said that, the outbreak has so far been put under control.

“Three deaths and 12 suspected cases were being handled at Agba General Hospital, sensitization and enlightenment have been given to the people of the area on how best to prevent the spread of the disease.

“The sensitization on how to prevent cholera includes, keeping the environments clean and hygienic, drinking safe water, and good preservation of food items,” he said.

Dr. Nnabu maintained that the three deaths recorded were because of the refusal of the patients to go to the hospital for immediate treatment.

He also directed that those affected should be treated free of charge and then implored the people to report any case of cholera to the nearest health facility or go straight to the General Hospital where drugs have been provided for the treatment.

Meanwhile, the Amachi-Igwebuike people who spoke through their village head explained that none availability of potable water in their village was the root cause of the outbreak.