The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has urged the general public to exercise caution over the recent cholera outbreak in several states across Nigeria. The agency's Director-General, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, emphasized the need for carefulness as the country records 30 deaths and 1,141 suspected cases from the disease.
As Nigeria approaches the festive period of the Salah celebrations, Dr. Asagbra stressed the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of communities.
Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by contaminated food or water, has been reported in Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos States.
To contain the spread of the disease, NBMA is collaborating with health authorities to actively monitor the situation and implement measures to prevent further outbreaks. Dr. Asagbra advised Nigerians to adopt various hygiene practices to protect themselves and their loved ones from cholera.
These practices include boiling drinking water or using certified water purification methods, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or preparing food, and after using the toilet.
She also urged Nigerians to cook food thoroughly and consume it while it is hot, avoid raw foods unless they can be peeled or washed with safe water, and keep the environment clean and dispose waste properly to prevent contamination.
Dr. Asagbra emphasized that NBMA urges all Nigerians to be vigilant and adhere to these hygiene practices to protect themselves and their loved ones from cholera. She also called on Nigerians to report any case of cholera to the nearest hospital.
