The death toll from the cholera outbreak in Katsina State has risen to 75, with a total of 1,534 cases recorded in 25 out of the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Yakubu Danja, who gave the update while briefing newsmen in his office said, the state government has procured drugs and other medical supply kits, which have been distributed to the affected local government areas.
Also Read: Cholera Outbreak: Katsina confirms 1,400 cases, 40 deaths
According to the health commissioner, the first suspected case of the cholera outbreak was recorded in Funtua on May 5.
He added that of all the reported cases, 67 percent are aged 15 and above, 53 percent are males while 3 cases were reported for persons under one year old.
Danja further said, so far, 140 samples have been collected with 43 of them returning positive, with 2 culture-positive too.
The commissioner also added that, out of the 25 local government areas affected, Funtua Local Government Area has the highest cases of 384, while Sabuwa has 232 cases.
Kafur- 215.
Charanchi-135.
Kankara-71 while Jibiya has recorded 69 cases.
He added that the ministry has activated the intensification of active case search and contact tracing, including the provision of a rapid diagnostic kit for cholera, to enable prompt detection of cases, to reduce morbidity and mortality.
While advising the public to take a deliberate effort to improve on their personal and environmental hygiene, regular handwashing with soap and water, the commissioner cautioned on the need to adequately dispose faeces and refuse, properly.
Danja, also stressed the need to properly wash vegetables before eating and ensure the boiling of water before drinking.
(Editor: Abaje Usekwe)
