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The Oyo State Government has debunked the news of a cholera outbreak, stressing that no case has been confirmed.
It, however, clarified that the suspected cases reported, returned negative after due tests were carried out.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Abdulmoheed Mogbonjubola made this known in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade in Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday.
He called on residents to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and take preventive measures to combat the spread of cholera.
The commissioner lamented that the World Health Organisation had confirmed the ongoing cholera outbreak in some parts of Nigeria as part of the global resurgence of cholera cases, classifying it as currently a “grade 3 public health emergency,” requiring maximum WHO system-wide response.
Mogbonjubola said, “The state currently has no cholera case, as the suspected cases have returned negative, after due tests. The cholera outbreak in neighbouring states has put the state government on its toes.
“To prevent the spread of cholera, we urge all to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace and take preventive measures such as: keeping their environment clean always and disposing of waste properly at designated places.
“I urge us to ensure the use of clean and safe water. Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one part of chlorine solution to 100 parts of water.”
The commissioner said the government had commenced a community awareness campaign to prevent the disease, adding that the ministry was presently enjoying good collaborations with the Office of the First Lady, Tamunomini Makinde and other agencies.
He said sensitisation drives and adequate preventive measures were being taken to avoid the occurrence or spread of the disease to other communities across the state.
Mogbonjubola added, “We are aware of the Cholera outbreak in some states of the Federation, and our thoughts are on those affected. Despite that Oyo State has not recorded any such case, we however needed to be vigilant and take preventive measures, to avoid any spread of this disease in our communities.”
The commissioner emphasised that the state was increasing surveillance, providing resources for safe water and ensuring that health facilities were prepared to handle any case.
The PUNCH reports that Nigeria has been identified as one of the 14 countries in Africa where the resurgence is being experienced.
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