By Abdullahi Alhassan.
The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and his Deputy retired Colonel. Samaila Yombe Dabai were briefed by the State Epidemic Rapid Response Team on the situation of cholera outbreak in the state.
The team met the Governor and his Deputy at the Council Chamber of Government House, Birnin Kebbi, this Thursday.
The team confirmed to the Governor that 2,208 cases of diarrhea and vomiting were reported in 20 of the state’s 21 Local Government Areas between January and August 2021, with 55 samples tested and 26 turning out positive.
A total of 146 deaths have been reported across the state, but the team clarified that an outbreak ( Epidemic) of Cholera in an area is defined as a single confirmed case.
People were advised to avoid open defecation while being reminded to practice personal and environmental hygiene. The importance of stakeholders working together across sectors was also emphasized at the meeting.
Dr. Aminu Haliru Bunza, Permanent Secretary and CMD of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital led the team, which was also supported by Dr. Abubakar A. Kaoje, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Agency, and another team member.