Cholera outbreak kills 20 in Bauchi state

Bauchi State government confirmed 20 people dead from suspected cholera outbreak.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Aliyu Maigoro, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the epidemic at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Bauchi, said 322 cases have been reported so far.

“As of today, we have 322 reported cases out of which we lost about 20 patients. This brings the fatality rate to almost 6.2.

“Based on the epidemiological pattern and the clinical diagnosis, the physicians and response team are aware of the case definition and we have been following this event closely,” Dr Maigoro said.

The ministry, through the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, responded immediately having been notified of the disease to avoid spreading to other communities.

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 centres in all general hospitals of the affected local government areas.

“Four cholera treatment units have been activated in Bauchi metropolis at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, urban maternity and primary health centre, Kandahar.

“Drugs and consumables have been provided to all the isolation sites in the state. Doctors, nurses and paramedics have been mobilised 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,” Dr Maigoro added.

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.

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