20 killed in cholera outbreak in Bauchi

An outbreak of cholera has killed 20 people in Bauchi state.

Aliyu Maigoro, the state commissioner for health, confirmed the development on Tuesday in Bauchi.

Maigoro said 322 persons have been infected following the outbreak of the disease in nine LGAs of the state.

He added that the index case was a 37-year-old woman from Burra community in Ningi LGA of the state.

He attributed the outbreak to open defecation and consumption of contaminated water, following recent rainfall.

The commissioner said while Bauchi LGA recorded the highest number of cases with 147 residents, Toro had 58, Ningi had 51, and in Misau, 31 persons were affected.

He added that Warji LGA had 16; Giade, 10; Ganjuwa, seven, while Darazo and Shira had one case each.

“Twenty-one samples were collected and tested. Nineteen of the samples were positive through the rapid diagnostic test by culture which confirmed the presence of vibrio cholera,” he said.

“Four treatment units have been activated at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, the Urban Maternity and Primary Healthcare Centre in Kandahar, as well as the specialist hospitals in the state.

“Isolation centres are also set up in all general hospitals in the affected areas.”

According to him, the state ministry of health has scaled up surveillance to enhance detection and response services.

Maigoro said the outbreak response is being supported by relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and other partners.

The commissioner advised residents of the state to keep a clean environment and maintain personal hygiene.