7 Deaths recorded as Cholera outbreak hits FCT

• ….91 Suspected cases in 3 Councils

By Stanley Onyekwere

A total of seven deaths have been recorded, following the outbreak of cholera in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Also, a total of 91 suspected cases have so far been enlisted in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and in Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils.

Disclosing this yesterday, the Acting Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), Dr. Mohammed Kawu, explained that out the 7 deaths, only 3 were tested positive for Cholera, using the Rapid Diagnostic Test kit.

Kawu, while briefing Journalists on the development in the nation’s capital city, revealed that from May 2021, FCT began to receive reports of sporadic cases of gastro-enteritis in some communities in FCT namely; Wassa Community (IDP Camp), Dei Dei, Zuba Community, Shenagun and Kubwa respectively.

He however, assured residents that the Health Secretariat through its Public Health Department has intensified surveillance in the communities and health facilities have also directed the area councils to do the same respectively.

His words: “As at June 23, a total of 91 suspected cases have so far been enlisted with seven deaths in Municipal and no Death in Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils. Out of these, three of the cases tested positive for Cholera using the Rapid Diagnostic Test kit.

“From May 2021, FCT began to receive reports of sporadic cases of gastro-enteritis in some communities in FCT namely; Wassa Community (IDP Camp), Dei Dei, Zuba Community, Shenagun and Kubwa, drawn from three area councils in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja Municipal, Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory.

“We have prepositioned some Rapid Diagnostic Test kits, drugs and consumables in some of our health facilities that have reported cases and we are in the process of distributing these commodities to the remaining health facilities including some key primary health facilities”.

While explaining that the sporadic outbreak in the rainy season could be as a result of the leaching of sewage into drinking waterways or from contamination of food matters by bacteria, he said 50 per cent of the cases if not treated could lead to death.

He therefore urged FCT residents to report any case of diarrhea disease to the nearest health facility or the department of public health.

While assuring residents that there’s no evidence of any contamination of water supply from the water board, the HHSS boss also called on residents not to panic as the Administration through the Health and Human Services Secretariat has stepped up its manpower to combat the epidemic.

“Ensure that the water used for domestic purposes is clean, boiled and or filtered; also ensure that all foods are properly cleaned and well cooked before consumption.

“Ensure that waste especially faecal waste are hygienically disposed off, and improve on general personal hygiene”, he stressed.