The Enugu State Government has raised an alert about a cholera outbreak in the state, urging residents to take precautionary measures to prevent further spread.
This announcement came from the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Obi, through a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Dan Nwomeh, on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah on Monday in Enugu.
Dr. Obi confirmed that the nationwide cholera outbreak had unfortunately reached Enugu State.
He explained that cholera is a waterborne disease typically spread through the consumption of contaminated food or water, leading to severe symptoms like acute watery diarrhea. If left untreated, cholera can cause death in a matter of hours.
He further elaborated that, in addition to diarrhea, patients may also experience symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal cramps.
In response to the situation, Obi noted that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, had already activated measures to contain the outbreak, adhering closely to the protocols laid out by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control.
“We, therefore, urge the public to be vigilant and adhere to the preventive measures that include practice of good hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and running water, or alternatively use hand sanitizers,” said Dr. Obi, emphasizing the importance of strict hygiene practices to curb the spread. He also stressed the need to “use potable water from reliable sources, intensify safe practices of food handling and preparation hygiene, use gloves, face masks and be careful when caring for sick individuals.”
Obi urged anyone who notices symptoms, particularly sudden watery diarrhea, to report immediately to the nearest healthcare facility.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Enugu’s citizens and providing timely information as the situation evolves.
For further assistance, residents were directed to contact key health officials via the following numbers:
1. 08037431577 – Director of Public Health and Disease Control,
2. 08033375344 – State Epidemiologist,
3. 08037817982 – State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer.
With these preventive guidelines and the ministry’s active response, Enugu State is working to mitigate the impact of the cholera outbreak and ensure the health and safety of its population.
