The Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board says it has received 50 suspected cholera cases from three local government areas since January.
The disclosure was made by the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed while fielding questions from journalists shortly after flagging off the 2024 MNCH Week on Monday.
According to him, “We don’t have any reported or confirmed case of Cholera in Bauchi state. What we have as of today, Monday, 1st July are fifty suspected cases from three LGAs, Bauchi, Giade and Toro.
“It started with 30 cases in Giade. A few days ago, we recorded four suspected cases in Bauchi LGA. Out of this number, we have one death from the suspected cases.
“Health workers are working round the clock to ensure that all suspected cases are treated. We have taken samples to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and we are waiting for the results to know the status of the cases.”
The BAPHCB EC added that the state is ready to ensure that there is no outbreak stressing that all the international development partners including UNICEF, WHO and other relevant agencies are cooperating with the state in that regard.
He, however, said that the testing at the NCDC takes a little time as the suspected cases go to the NCDC testing centre in 100 and each must be well scrutinised to determine its status.
According to him, “Some months ago, there was a reported case of gastroenteritis in Ningi when about 100 students had food poisoning. We promptly responded and ensured that it was treated.”
He assured that the board is working and collaborating with agencies such as BASEPA on the need to clear the waterways so that rainwater and other wastewater will have ease of way.
He also stated that education and enlightenment are going on across the state to ensure that the people maintain the required status of hygiene to avoid cholera.
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