Cholera reaches Kogi, two hospitalised
By Eberechi Obinagwam
The Kogi state government said it has confirmed two cholera cases.
Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Abdullazeez Adam, said medical practitioners confirmed the cases.
Adam said one of the victims has been treated and discharged, while the second is still undergoing treatment.
“As far as Kogi is concerned, we have only two cholera cases. Until people report it, samples taken for test and confirmation obtained by undergoing culture in the laboratory, we may not know the other cases,” Adam said.
“If we want to know the type, samples must be taken and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Abuja.
“As earlier mentioned, as for the recent cholera outbreak in the country, up until Wednesday, June 26, we had just one recorded case, which is counted.
“If it’s not reported, one can’t say there’s any. Unreported case means when someone is sick and is stooling, yet have not gone to hospital or any health facility but resolved to taking ORS or drugs while at home, it can’t be counted.
“If it’s suspected, reported and confirmed, then it can be counted as a case, else it won’t.”
Adam said drastic measures have been taken to ensure that the disease is contained, adding that there are disease surveillance and notification officers in all wards in the 21 LGAs of the state.
He added that there are also radio and television jingles, handbills with messages in languages of the three dominant tribes in the state, including Hausa and English.
He appealed to the public to report any suspected case of cholera and maintain good hygiene.
