By Bisola Adeyemo
Cholera outbreak in Akko local government area of Gombe State killed seven while about 32 people have been hospitalised.
Confirming this to journalists at the Health Emergency Operation Centre, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru said that two year old boy died in Kalajanga village of Akko local government area, as a result of the disease outbreak.
He added that a Rapid Response Team was deployed immediately, cases were confirmed in the laboratory and a free treatment centre for cases was established at BOGO Model Primary Health Centre, the nation gathered.
“The onset of the rainy season at times herald the period for cholera outbreaks attributable to drinking contaminated water. Cholera is characterised by severe diarrhea and vomiting, and can be rapidly fatal if prompt and urgent actions are not taken toward management of cases and effective infection prevention control. It is easily spread in the community if control measures are sub-optimal,” said Dahiru.
The commissioner announced that he has activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System for a prompt and coordinated response to the outbreak.
“You may recall that a similar mechanism was used for the success recorded by the state in controlling a similar outbreak in Liji Community in March this year,” he said.
Dahiru reminded the public that cholera can be prevented by the use of clean water, consumption of hygienically prepared meals, particularly uncooked food adding that personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are also proven preventive measures.
