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Death toll from cholera outbreak hits 75 in Katsina

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At least one hundred and thirty four (134) fresh cases of cholera outbreak have been confirmed with fifteen (15) deaths across 25 Local Government Areas in Katsina State.

This latest development brings the total to 1,534 confirmed cases and 75 deaths, according to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Engr. Yakubu Danja.

Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing on the outbreak of gastroenteritis recorded in some communities across 25 LGAs in the state that turned out to be the devastating cholera outbreak, Danja also confirmed that the state received the first report of suspected diarrhea and vomiting from the 5th May 2021 in Funtua Local Government Area, adding that as of August 8th 2021, a total of 1,534 cases including 75 deaths have been reported from 25 LGAs.

Giving details of the reported cases, the Commissioner explained that 67% are aged 15 years and above while 3 cases were reported for under 1, stating that of the reported cases, 53% are males.

He stressed further that a total of 140 samples have been collected so far with 43 RDT positive, 2 culture positive where Funtua LGA had the highest number of cases with 384, followed by Sabuwa with 232, Kafur 215, Charanchi 135, Kankara 71 and Jibia with 69 cases.

He added that in terms of mortality, Funtua LGA also leads with 18, followed by Charanchi LGA 14, Jibia LGA 11, Kankara LGA 5 as well as Sabuwa and Rimi having four each.

Danja noted that insecurity remains one of the major factor hindering access to some areas for active case search, he, however said a lot of response activities have been taking place since the emergence of the outbreak where medical supply kits and other consumables have been distributed to the affected LGAs.

He, also called on the general public to take deliberate effort to improve on their personal and environmental hygiene, regular hand washing with soap and water, boiling of water before drinking, proper cooking and storage of food, thorough washing of vegetables and fruits before eating, washing hands after using the toilet and proper disposal of feces and refuse.

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Health

NAFDAC Shuts Maiduguri Market Over Sun-Dried Drugs After Flood

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the immediate closure of the Gomboru drug market in Maiduguri following severe flooding that submerged the area and contaminated the drugs sold within the market.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAFDAC disclosed that the decision was made after reports surfaced that contaminated drugs, which had been washed and sun-dried for resale, were being sold at the market.

“After the recent flooding in Maiduguri that submerged the Gomboru drug market where contaminated drugs were washed and sun-dried for resale, the @DGatNAFDAC ordered the immediate closure of the market to conduct a thorough shop-to-shop removal of these compromised drugs,” the agency wrote.

The flooding, which ravaged Maiduguri, was triggered by the rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the city.

The floodwaters claimed at least 30 lives and displaced 400,000 residents, leaving large parts of the city and surrounding areas in devastation.

NAFDAC’s intervention is aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing the sale and consumption of contaminated drugs.

The agency has mobilized teams to inspect the market and ensure the removal of all compromised pharmaceutical products.

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Health

Cholera Outbreak: Rep Oseni Urges Residents to Prioritise Hygiene, Safety Measures

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Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State has expressed deep concern following the recent outbreak of cholera cases in the state.

Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water and food, poses significant health risks, particularly in densely populated areas with inadequate sanitation.

Oseni urged residents of Oyo State, especially those in his constituency, to prioritise hygiene practices and strictly adhere to recommended safety measures, emphasising the critical importance of proactive measures to halt the disease’s spread.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the state capital, the lawmaker underscored the necessity of maintaining clean water sources and practicing proper sanitation methods.

“Cholera outbreaks can be significantly reduced if we all take responsibility for our hygiene habits and ensure our surroundings are clean,” he stated.

The APC chieftain also stressed the urgency of seeking prompt medical attention at the first signs of symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which are characteristic of cholera.

“Early detection and treatment are crucial in combating cholera and preventing its spread. Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are fundamental rights that must be upheld, especially during health crises like this,” he asserted.

Oseni further called for unity and collective action in combating the cholera outbreak.

He expressed confidence that through concerted efforts and vigilant adherence to preventive measures, communities can contain and ultimately overcome this challenging public health issue.

“By working together, maintaining vigilance, and prioritising hygiene practices, we can effectively mitigate the impact of cholera on our communities,” the lawmaker concluded.

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Ondo Resident Doctors Begin 14-Day Warning Strike

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Resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State have initiated a 14-day warning strike, as confirmed by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

The strike action, led by the association’s President, John Matthew, highlights various grievances, notably the non-payment of seven months’ salaries to new members.

Matthew added that the strike also addresses the non-payment of palliative to House Officers since February, the failure to disburse the February Hazard Allowance despite prior assurances from the state government, and the ongoing shortage of staff due to resignations.

Matthew lamented the drastic decrease in resident doctors, citing a decrease from 150 doctors to a mere 26 in recent months.

In response to the situation, he urged management to prioritise the full payment of arrears owed to members, immediate payment of the February 2024 palliative to house officers, and prompt disbursement of the February hazard allowance.

The association further called for urgent measures to address the critical shortage of clinical manpower within the institution.

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