Katsina State has been hit by cholera cases in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, the diarrhoea illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacteria Vibrio Cholerae has recorded a new high with children being the most affected.

The Commissioner for Health in the state, Engr Yakubu Nuhu Danja, while briefing newsmen of the development in his office on Tuesday said Cholera which was first noticed in Funtua LGA of the state in May this year has killed at least 75 out of the 1,534 persons affected as at 8 August 2021 in 25 of the 34 LGA in the state.

He further noted that 67% of the 1,534 infections constitute children within 15 years of age while overall 53% of the reported cases were males.

Cholera cause of deaths in Enugu New Artisan Market – Health Commissioner

“The state received the first report of suspected diarrhoea and vomiting from 5th May 2021 in Funtua. As of 8th August 2021, a total of 1,534 cases, including 75 deaths in 25 LGAs were recorded.

“Of the reported cases, 67 per cent are aged 15 years and above, while three cases were reported for under one. Of all the reported cases, 53 per cent are male.

“Funtua LGA had the highest number of cases with 384, followed by Sabuwa with 232, Kafur 215, Charanchi 135, Kankara 71 and Jibia with 69 cases.

“In terms of mortality, Funtua also leads with 18, followed by Charanchi which has 14, Jibia 11, Kankara five, while Rimi and Sabuwa are having four each,” The Commissioner stated.

Engr. Danja identifies some of the challenges militating against cholera fight in the state to include Wide practice of open defecation in some areas, insecurity which is hindering the medical team access to some communities in the state. He also noted that the influx of visitors to cases on admission was another challenge.

However, the Health Commissioner said they were working round the clock to tame its spread. As a result, medical diagnostic kits and other consumables have been provided to the 34 LGA in the state as active case search and contact tracing by Out Break Response (OBR) in conjunction with the Covid-19 contact tracing teams has been set in motion across the state’s 34 LGA for the purpose of prompt detection of cases and to reduce morbidity and mortality rate.

He further said that efforts are ongoing to strengthen risk communication activities like community sensitization, town hall meetings and engagement with traditional and religious leaders and to further improve intersectional collaboration with other MDAs like RUWASSA, SEPA, among other partners.

The health commissioner urged members of the public to make a deliberate effort at practising personal and environmental hygiene by ensuring regular washing of hands with soap and water, boiling of water before drinking, proper cooking and storage of food, thorough washing of vegetables and fruits before eating and washing of hands after using the toilet as well as proper disposal of faeces and refuse.