By Blessing Odega
Dr Cletus Shurkuk, Plateau’s Commissioner for Health, says the state has not recorded any case of cholera.
Shurkuk, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Jos, that in spite of the ongoing outbreak in 30 other states in Nigeria, Plateau was yet to record any case, as the two suspected cases reported tested negative for cholera.
The commissioner however, said the government was at an alert, and was ready to contain any outbreak.
He explained that the ministry had robust epidemiological surveillance systems in place, to monitor for any signs of infectious disease outbreaks, including cholera.
“The Ministry of Health is prepared to handle potential outbreaks as preventive measures.
”Water quality monitoring and community education on hygiene practices, are continuously enforced to prevent the spread of waterborne and other priority diseases.
“Our routine health checks and sanitation measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he stated.
He however, said the public had a responsibility to ensure compliance with certain advisories in order to curb disease outbreaks.
According to the commissioner, the disease, which is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
Shurkuk urged the public to inculcate the act of hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol based sanitisers.
He further advised the public to ensure they boiled their water before drinking, if it was not from a safe source.
He also urged the public to wash their fruits and vegetables thoroughly with salt and clean water before consumption.
Shurkuk further cautioned the public to desist from the act of open defecation and ensure they maintained good environmental sanitation practices.
He then advised anyone with symptoms suggestive of cholera, to visit the nearest health facility for prompt treatment.
The commissioner said to this end, the ministry was working closely with primary healthcare providers, community leaders, and international health organisations to maintain a high standard of public health preparedness and response. (NAN)
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