The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has issued a public health advisory in response to a severe cholera outbreak affecting ten states in Nigeria. The outbreak has tragically resulted in 30 deaths and has seen 1,141 individuals hospitalised with suspected cases of the disease.
In a statement released on Friday, Mrs. Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Communications for NBMA, highlighted the urgency of the situation as conveyed by Dr. Agnes Asagbra, the agency’s Director-General. Dr. Asagbra emphasized the critical need for heightened vigilance and stringent hygiene practices among the Nigerian populace to curb the spread of cholera, particularly with the upcoming Salah festivities.
“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,” Dr. Asagbra noted. She stressed the importance of community health and safety, urging collective action to prevent further fatalities and infections.
NBMA, in conjunction with health authorities, is actively monitoring the outbreak and has initiated various measures to contain it. The agency is working tirelessly to educate the public on the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards. This includes recommendations such as boiling drinking water or using certified water purification methods, thoroughly washing hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food, and ensuring food is cooked thoroughly and consumed while hot.
The Director-General also advised against consuming raw foods, including fruits and vegetables, unless they are peeled or washed with safe water. She underscored the necessity of keeping environments clean and properly disposing of waste to avoid contamination.
"NBMA urges all Nigerians to be vigilant and adhere to these hygiene practices to protect themselves and their loved ones from cholera," Dr. Asagbra reiterated. She also encouraged the public to report any suspected cases of cholera to the nearest hospital promptly. While Nigeria grapples with this public health challenge, the NBMA’s call to action aims to mobilize communities and individuals towards proactive measures that can mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
The agency’s efforts are crucial in ensuring that the festive period does not exacerbate the current health crisis. The statement serves as a stark reminder of the importance of hygiene and public health vigilance, especially in times of widespread disease outbreaks.
