By Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin, Nigeria
These figures include active case search reported to the state Ministry of Health from the public and private health sectors.
The State Epidemiologist, Doctor Khadijat Kamaldeen disclosed this data while speaking with VON in Ilorin the kwara state capital.
According to her , the major control of the epidemic is prevention while the populace need to keep a clean and tidy environment and avoid defecating in the open or in the drainages as well as washing their hands with soap after visiting the toilets.
She commended the staff of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, UNICEF and UITH resident doctors for their positive prompt response during the outbreak adding that the government also embarked on community sensitization through the traditional rulers and community leaders.
Doctor Kamaldeen urged members of the public to avoid living in an overcrowded environment as cholera is a contagious disease while they should ensure that they cook their food properly, guide against eating contaminated food, fruits and unclean water and do not stay in an environment that has poor sanitation.
The Epidemiologist disclosed that apart from other health facilities in the state, the government has designated three major hospitals to treat the disease namely, Sobi Specialist Hospital, Alagbado, Children’s Specialist Hospital, Center Igboro and General Hospital, Ilorin.
She expressed concern that some patients or private hospitals do not give the state ministry of health or their social mobilization officers the true data or position of their disease hence making it difficult for government to have a correct data and number of casualties in case of any outbreak of disease.
