Gyang Bere, Jos
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kuden Kamshak Deyin, has confirmed the death of five persons and 126 suspected cases following fresh outbreak of cholera epidemic in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
Dr. Kuden disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Jos and said two cases of Monkey Pox have been recorded in Shendam Local Government Area of the State.
He explained that the cholera outbreak was recorded in six wards of Naraguta B, Abba NaShehu, Lamingo, Angwan Robot/Rimi, Ali Kazaure and Jenta Adamu electoral wards.
“For the past two years, the state did not recorded any cholera outbreak, but this year from epidemic week on the 23 May, 2018 up to death, we have line list of 126 cases of cholera outbreak and five deaths. The epidemic is recorded in six wards in Jos North Local Government Area.
“People need to protect themselves against cholera by having the appropriate vaccinations beforehand, drinking only water that is boiled or from a sealed bottle and following good hand washing practices which is very important to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Dr. Deyin advised residents to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as leg cramps, vomiting and diarrhea while in a community where the diseases exists.
He urged the public to avoid salads, raw fish, and uncooked vegetables and ensure that food is thoroughly cooked, ensure water is bottled or boiled and safe to consume and avoid street food, as this can carry cholera and other diseases.
Dr. Deyin explained that he had raised an alarm on the looming cholera outbreak in the state during the last State Executive Council Meeting, following incessant dumping of diet in strategic locations in the state.
He noted that the two cases of Monkey Pox was imported from Port-harcourt where the victim came to Jos for treatment and the elder brother became infected, and both were treated at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos and discharged home.
Dr. Deyin said government is making effort in curtailing the outbreak of the cholera and urged the public to joint hands with government in observing the necessary preventive measures.

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