Death toll from cholera outbreak in Katsina hits 150

Shamsudeen Yahaya, executive secretary, Katsina Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), says over 150 people have died of cholera in the state.

He said at least 5,677 cases have been reported since the outbreak of the cholera epidemic in the state.

Yahaya said the figures were gathered from hospitals and other primary health care centres in the state.

He said the casualty figure could be higher since some victims, particularly those in the rural areas, do not visit the hospitals.

He advised residents to avoid unhygienic practices, dumping of refuse indiscriminately, and endeavour to eat only healthy food.

“Just like it is happening in some parts of the country, we still have cholera cases in Katsina state. And as you all know, the disease goes high during the rainy season,” Yahaya said.

“As at Thursday, September 2, we had 5,677 cases of cholera covering the 34 local government areas of the state.

“We all have a role to play at the family and community levels because that is the most important.

“When people engage in indiscriminate dumping of refuse, indiscriminate open defecation, there must be a spread of diseases like cholera.”