Idowu Abdullahi
The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, has disclosed that the new outbreak of cholera across 14 out of 20 local government areas in the state has claimed 58 lives.
The deputy governor, who disclosed this during the inauguration of the State Cholera Steering Committee and the State Technical Working Committee, also said the state has 258 new cases of the disease.
According to Jatau, cholera remains one of the major public health threats despite the state government’s efforts to tackle the disease.
“These outbreaks are often preventable with timely interventions, coordinated responses, and sustained improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene. Bauchi State has recorded not less than 258 new cases and 58 fatalities,” he said.
He explained that the establishment of the cholera steering committee is essential in achieving the desired objectives.
“It is in this regard that this committee is expected to serve as the Central Coordinating body to lead Bauchi State’s Multi-Sectoral Response to cholera outbreaks and to drive long-term prevention strategies in alignment with the National Cholera Control Plan and the broader goals of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention,” he said.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that cholera, an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is capable of killing within hours if left untreated, although many cases remain mild or asymptomatic.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported a sharp increase in cholera cases earlier this year.
Between January 27 and February 2, 2025, the country witnessed a 75 per cent rise in infections compared to the same period in 2024.
Even more concerning, deaths linked to the disease rose by a staggering 250 per cent within the same five-week window, underscoring the urgency for coordinated intervention.
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