Not less than 20 persons have been reported dead of a Cholera outbreak in some part of Bauchi. The Bauchi State government through the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aliyu Maigoro, revealed this to newsmen while briefing on the epidemic at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Bauchi.
According to the Commissioner, 322 cases have been reported so far. While giving the summary of the cases so far recorded in the state, the Commissioner stated that as of May 24, 2021, Bauchi has recorded 147 cases with nine deaths; Giade with one death; Misau with four deaths; Ningi, three deaths; Toro 6 and Warji 6, noting that the ministry, through the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, responded immediately having been notified of the disease to avoid spreading to other communities.
Maigoro added that other response actions so far conducted by the ministry to tackle the disease include the establishment of the state Public Health Emergency Operation Centre and isolation centers in all general hospitals of the affected local government areas.
In his words: “Four cholera treatment units have been activated in Bauchi metropolis at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, urban maternity and primary health center, Kandahar.
“Drugs and consumables have been provided to all the isolation sites in the state. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics have been mobilized to provide care to the victims.
“Outbreak response is being supported by relevant ministries, departments and agencies as well as partners— SEMA, BASEPA, RUWASSA, state water corporation, SIB, ATBUTH, WHO, MSF, UNICEF, and Red Cross. Surveillance activities are heightened to detect and report cases promptly.”
The commissioner said among the steps taken is the activation of the state Public Health Emergency Operation Centre, development of an Incident Action Plan, IAP, and response coordination meetings chaired by him. He said Governor Bala Mohammad has approved the release of funds to facilitate the response activities.