Cholera disease has so far killed 39 people in the last three weeks in 18 out of the 23 local government areas of Sokoto State, a top government official has confirmed.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ali Inname disclosed this to reporters in Sokoto while giving an update on the gastroenteritis epidemic ravaging the state.
According to Inname, 23 out of the casualties were recorded in the first two weeks of the epidemic, while the remaining 16 deaths were recorded in the past one week.
He stated that Yabo, Dange/Shuni and Gwadabawa local government areas have continued to record active cases of the disease.
The Commissioner further disclosed that his ministry has constituted three rapid response teams that were already fully operational.
Inname also said the state government had stockpiled adequate intravenous fluids, drugs and other related medicaments which were being distributed to all the affected local government areas.
He also said the ministry was conducting a statewide immunisation against gastroenteritis as part of efforts to stem the tide of the disease.
He said: “Scientifically, this problem may not completely abate until the current rainy season subsides.
“So, there is the need for the people to continue to ensure personal and environmental hygiene as well as heed to all medical advice issued by health professionals.”
In a related development, cholera cases have risen to 63 in Adamawa State, the state Ministry of Health and Human Service said adding that the numbers are increasing every day.
Director of Public Health Dr Celine Laori released the information at a meeting convened by the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) to galvanise action against the cholera outbreak as well as polio, which was also recently recorded in the state.
In another development, the management of the Sokoto State University has denied recruiting for any position directly or through a proxy (agents).
A statement signed by the University’s Registrar, Amina Yusuf Garba entitled “Disclaimer” and which was made available to reporters yesterday said: “The attention of the university has been drawn to false advertisements being circulated online, soliciting applications for a purported recruitment exercise.
“It is to that effect that the management wishes to notify the general public that the University is not recruiting for any position, either directly or through any proxy (i.e. agents).
“The general public is hereby warned to be cautious to avoid falling victim to the plots of the unscrupulous elements that are circulating the false recruitment notices. to deceive unsuspecting applicants.
