An outbreak of cholera has resulted in the death of at least 30 people in Jigawa state while about 2,000 others are reportedly receiving treatment in various health centres across the state.
This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary state Ministry of Health, Dr. Salisu Mu’azu, while addressing newsmen Monday in Dutse.
According to him, the 30 deaths were recorded from 2,000 patients that were confirmed to have contracted the disease.
He said the outbreak started a month ago, from nine local government areas of Ringim, Dutse, Hadejia, kirikasamma, Birnin Kudu and among others.
Adding that the outbreak was more pronounced in Dutse and Hadejia local government areas which he said was as a result of flow of water from open spaces into Wells and water outlets that the people used for domestic purposes.
The permanent secretary said the outbreak could have resulted from the flow of water following the rainfall that washed away human faeces into open wells and bust water pipelines which were taken back into the water tank that supplies the area with water.
He said the state government had directed for the release of drugs at three centres of Hadejia, Dutse and Ringim local government areas to enable the victims get immediate medical attention, free of charge.
He said other agencies such as UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders had indicated readiness to partner with the state in mitigating the scourge from further spreading.
