Cholera Outbreak: FG Warns Nigerians To Desist From Drinking Locally Made Zobo, Fura, Tigernaut

By Akinwale Kasali

As the Cholera Outbreak ravaging the country remain unabated, the Federal Government has sternly warned Nigerians to avoid locally made drinks such as Kunu, Zobo, Fura and Tigernaut  to prevent the spread of the disease.

Prior to the latest warning by the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government had warned Lagosians to desist from taking locally made Tigernaut.

The FG also urged the public to be more vigilant and to imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace.

Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, gave the directive in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Salako further tasked all and sundry with preventive measures such as keeping their environment clean always and disposing of waste properly at designated places.

He said, “Ensure the use of clean and safe water. Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one pack of chlorine solution to 100 parts.

“Avoid locally prepared drinks like kunu, zobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice among others except it is certain that the preparation was done in a hygienic and safe manner.

“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, cleaning a child who has gone to the toilet, before preparing food, before and after eating, and after playing with animals, ” he said.

He added that Nigerians should ensure the use of clean and safe water.

“Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one pack of chlorine solution to 100 parts.

“Avoid locally prepared drinks like kunu, zobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice among others except it is certain that the preparation was done in a hygienic and safe manner.

“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, cleaning a child who has gone to the toilet, before preparing food, before and after eating, and after playing with animals, ” he said.

He also called on States and Local Governments to increase environmental health surveillance in places where food and drinks are sold nationwide.

These places include markets, garages, schools, restaurants, stadia, religious and sporting event venues.

Salako noted that the measures would help avert the further spread and transmission of cholera and aid in the prevention and control of the disease.

He also urged all Commissioners for Environment and the Local Government Chairpersons to support environmental health officers to step up sanitation and hygiene activities through enhanced community-led total sanitation.

He said it is also to strengthen collaboration with the health authorities and other stakeholders in line with the one health approach of the federal government.

He added that arrangements had been made to support most affected states with chlorine solution or tablets, water and food testing resources to avert further transmission across the country.

Salako noted that a recent situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicated a total number of 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 30 States.