Olaide Oyelude, Katsina

There has been an outbreak of cholera in Katsina State with 11 deaths already recorded.

It was learnt that officials of the state Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Agency were, however, making efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

Investigation revealed that the deaths were recorded outside the state capital, specifically in Funtua where five persons died, and in Kusada where six patients also lost their lives.

Findings indicate that the outbreak was recorded in six local government areas of the state namely Funtua (40 cases), Kusada(83), Kaita(three cases), Ingawa(four cases), Kankia(one) and Katsina(one case).

It was further learnt that following the development, the health officials mobilised to all the 34 local government areas of the state to treat the victims and educate residents on how to avert the disease.

Information on the disease is also being shared among the officials about further steps to be taken to sensitise people about the disease.

None of the officials was ready to comment on the development even though they readily assisted with the information concerning the outbreak.

A top official who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “As at 29th and 30th of June,2018, the casualty figure from cholera stood at 11 from 132 cases recorded in six LGAs of the state. We are already fully on the ground to curb the spread of the disease.”

The state Health Commissioner, Hajiya Mariatu Bala-Usman, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.

source:  http://punchng.com/cholera-outbreak-kills-11-in-katsina/