The Director of Epidemiology at Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Kabir Suleiman, announced that all 118 recently tested suspected cholera cases returned negative.
Dr. Suleiman explained to the News Agency of Nigeria that a cholera outbreak occurred in Kusada Local Government Area in March, resulting in 68 suspected cases, two confirmed cases, and one death. The situation was effectively managed by the government in collaboration with development partners.
Suleiman reported that 118 recent cholera samples tested negative, indicating no new cases. However, the state remains prepared for any emergency. He stated that the state, along with its partners, possesses the necessary equipment to address outbreaks and has trained rapid response teams ready for detection and management.
The state has also established Oral Rehydration Points at 34 health centers for cholera treatment and maintains a routine surveillance system for emergencies.
In Kaduna, the State Primary Health Care Board confirmed no reported cholera cases. Dr. Abdullahi Musa, the board’s Incident Manager, mentioned that the state is prepared for any emergency, having reactivated its rapid response team and identified facilities capable of diagnosing cholera.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed an outbreak of 25 cholera cases at Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, despite earlier claims by the Nigerian Correctional Service that its centers were cholera-free. Abayomi stated that urgent medical and environmental measures had been implemented successfully, reducing new daily cases and deaths.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 118 suspected cholera cases in Katsina State and reported 1,528 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases, and 53 deaths across 107 local government areas in 31 states as of June 24, 2024.
President Bola Tinubu approved a multi-sectoral cabinet committee, led by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate, to control the epidemic.
In Lagos, ongoing interventions, such as providing medical supplies to Kirikiri prison and inspecting other correctional facilities, have helped reduce cholera transmission. The original outbreak source was traced to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water. The state plans to address these issues by shutting down unregulated production units and arresting those involved in distributing beverages without proper accreditation.
Prof. Abayomi assured the public that the government is taking decisive actions to combat and control cholera with continued collaboration and vigilance from all stakeholders.
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