By Ayodele Oni
Not less than 58 persons have been killed by a fresh outbreak of cholera across 14 of the 20 local government areas in Bauchi state.
The Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Auwal Jatau, who disclosed this while inaugurating the State Cholera Steering Committee and the State Technical Working Committee, also confirmed that the state has recorded 258 new cases of the disease.
Jatau noted that cholera remains one of the biggest public health threats in the state, despite the government’s ongoing efforts to fight it.
He stressed that most outbreaks can be prevented if timely action, proper coordination, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene are put in place.
The deputy governor explained that the newly established steering committee will serve as the main coordinating body for Bauchi State’s multi-sectoral response to cholera.
It will also help to drive long-term prevention strategies in line with the National Cholera Control Plan and the goals of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cholera is a severe diarrheic illness caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
The disease can kill within hours if untreated, though some cases may be mild or without symptoms.
Earlier this year, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (NCDC), reported a sharp increase in cholera cases across the country.
Between January 27 and February 2, 2025, infections rose by 75 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Even more alarming, deaths linked to the disease increased by 250 per cent within the same five-week period.
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