The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has issued a public warning following a severe cholera outbreak affecting multiple states in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Mrs. Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Communications for NBMA, highlighted the urgency of the situation as explained by Dr. Agnes Asagbra, Director-General of NBMA.
Dr. Asagbra emphasized the critical need for heightened caution among Nigerians, noting the alarming figures: 30 deaths and 1,141 suspected cases of cholera. With the upcoming Salah celebrations, she stressed the importance of community health and safety.
“Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water, has been reported in Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos States.’’
NBMA, in conjunction with health authorities, is actively monitoring the outbreak and has put in place measures to control the spread of the disease. Dr. Asagbra urged the public to adopt essential hygiene practices to curb the outbreak.
Key recommendations include boiling drinking water or using certified purification methods, and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food. She also advised washing hands after using the toilet, cooking food thoroughly, and consuming it while hot. To prevent contamination, it is crucial to avoid raw foods like fruits and vegetables unless they can be peeled or washed with safe water.
Maintaining a clean environment and proper waste disposal are also vital to prevent the spread of cholera. Dr. Asagbra called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to these hygiene practices to protect themselves and their families from cholera.