Enugu State Government confirms cholera outbreak and urges vigilance among residents

The Enugu State Ministry of Health on Monday confirmed that the recent nationwide cholera outbreak has hit the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by Prof. Emmanuel Obi, Commissioner for Health, Enugu State.

While urging residents to exercise caution, Obi said: “Cholera is spread by contaminated food or water. It causes acute watery diarrhea (watery stools) and, if left untreated, can lead to death within hours. Other symptoms may include vomiting and abdominal cramps.

“In collaboration with its partners, the Enugu State Ministry of Health has taken all necessary steps to de-escalate the situation as per the guidelines of the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

He urged the public to “be vigilant and adhere to the following preventive measures:

“Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and running water, or using hand sanitizers.

“Use drinking water from reliable sources.

“Intensify safe food handling and preparation hygiene practices.

“Use gloves and face masks and exercise caution when caring for sick individuals.

“Report any sudden case of watery diarrhea immediately to the nearest healthcare facility.

“The Enugu State Ministry of Health is committed to informing and protecting the health and well-being of our citizens.”