The Bauchi State Government has confirmed the death of 20 persons and 322 others infected following the outbreak of gastroenteritis in the state.
In the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, cholera is a common cause of gastroenteritis. This infection is usually transmitted by contaminated water or food.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aliyu Maigoro, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Bauchi.
Maigoro said the disease was recorded in nine local government areas of the state.
He added that the index case was a 37-year-old woman from Burra community in Ningi Local Government Area of the state.
He attributed the outbreak to open defecation and drinking of contaminated water following recent rainfall.
The commissioner said that Bauchi Local Government Area recorded the highest number of cases with 147, Toro 58, Ningi 51, Misau 31.
He added that Warji Local Government had 16, Giade 10 and Ganjuwa seven; while Darazo and Shira had one case each.
“Twenty one samples were collected and tested, 19 of the samples were positive through the Rapid Diagnostic Test by culture which confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae.
“Four treatment units have been activated at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Specialists Hospital, Urban Maternity and Primary Healthcare Centre, Kandahar.
“Isolation centres are also set up in all General Hospitals in the affected areas,” he said.
According to him, the state Ministry of Health has scaled up surveillance to enhance detection and response services.
Maigoro said the outbreak response was being supported by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and other partners.
The commissioner therefore advised residents of the state to keep a clean environment and maintain personal hygiene.
(NAN)
