Saturday, June 15, 2024 - The National Biosafety Management Agency has called on the general public to exercise caution over the recent cholera outbreak in some states across Nigeria.
Head, Information and Communications for
NBMA, Mrs Gloria Ogbaki, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, quoted the
Director- General, NBMA, Dr Agnes Asagbra, as saying there was need for
carefulness.
“Asagbra said Nigerians must exercise
caution as Nigeria records 30 deaths and 1,141 suspected cases from the
disease.
“As we approach the festive period of the
Salah celebrations, it is of utmost importance that we collectively prioritise
the health and safety of our communities.
“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.’’
Asagbra said NBMA, in collaboration with
health authorities, was actively monitoring the situation and implementing
measures to contain the spread o She also called on Nigerians to imbibe various
hygiene practices such as boiling drinking water or using certified water
purification methods.
According to her, there is need to wash
hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing
food.
The Director-General also urged Nigerians to
always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, cook food
thoroughly and consume it while it was hot.
She advised that Nigerians avoid raw foods,
such as fruits and vegetables unless they could be peeled or washed with safe
water and to always keep the environment clean and dispose waste properly to
prevent contamination.
She said, “NBMA urges all Nigerians to be
vigilant and adhere to these hygiene practices to protect themselves and their
loved ones from cholera.”
She called on Nigerians to be alert and report any case of cholera to the nearest hospital.
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