ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Enugu State Ministry of Health has confirmed the presence of a nationwide cholera outbreak, which has now spread to the state, and urged the public to be vigilant and adhere to the preventive measures.
In an press release signed by Commissioner for Health, Enugu State, Prof Emmanuel Obi, on Monday, the ministry outlined the dangers of cholera and its preventive measures.
It is a disease spread through contaminated food and water, and emphasized the importance of immediate action to prevent further escalation.
Cholera causes acute watery diarrhea, which can lead to death within hours if untreated. Additional symptoms may include vomiting and abdominal cramps.
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In response, the Enugu State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, is following the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines to manage the situation.
The Ministry however, urged the public to remain vigilant and follow these preventive measures: practice good hand hygiene, regularly wash hands with soap and running water or use hand sanitizers.
Obi also used the public to use potable water and ensure water comes from reliable sources, maintain food hygiene, ractice safe handling and preparation of food, exercise caution when caring for the sick, use gloves and face masks when handling individuals with cholera symptoms.
Furthermore, he urged the public to report symptoms of cholera immediately, adding that If anyone experiences sudden watery diarrhea, they should visit the nearest healthcare facility.
The Enugu State Ministry of Health reassured citizens that it remains committed to protecting public health and will continue to update the public on the situation.
For further information or to report cases, he advised the public to contact: Director of Public Health and Disease Control on 08037431577, State Epidemiologist on 08033375344 and State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer on 08037817982