Experts warn as Bauchi meat, fruits sellers expose residents to Cholera
By Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi
Medical experts have warned residents of Bauchi to beware of unhealthy food and drink prepared in an unhygienic environment, particularly meat and fruits being exposed to microorganisms associated with cholera.
It was observed that meat sellers at Muda Lawal, Wunti Markets do not protect their meat from flies and sell beside major roads. Mostly, the meat that is being placed on the table while waiting for buyers is covered by hundreds of house flies that lay eggs on the meat.
Although some meat sellers at the popular Muda Lawal market and other markets were seen with bristles in their hands chasing flies while some others did not bother.
The State Government has not put any regulatory efforts in place cholera ravages 28 states in the Country including Bauchi. Although the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed dismissed the Federal Government’s data about Cholera, saying that only 50 suspected cases and one death of suspected cases have been recorded.
A Medical Doctor and Public Health Specialist, Dr. Peter Ajanson, said that open defecation which is a common practice in Nigeria is one of the major contributing factors.
According to him, dumping of both human and household waste in waterways, streams and rivers and other practices common in communities, situating household wells close to soak away, clogged drainage and poor handling of sick people must be checked.
Also, an Infectious Disease Consultant at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Dr. Ibrahim Maigari, warned of indiscriminate consumption of contaminated food, water and fruits on streets.
Speaking on the prevention of cholera, Maigari said that to control the infection, “We need to separate the organisms that cause cholera and then, the food and water that we consume. When these are clean, we are far from cholera. We have to ensure constant clean potable water, free from any germs –especially cholera micro organisms.
“Look at the people who sell fruits and expose them to flies, people need to wash them properly before consuming them. The worst is watermelon that has been cut without protection from flies and people take them. It’s the easiest way of taking cholera. We advise people to take precautions,” he said.
To prevent mortality, Dr. Peter Ajanson said that early identification, detection, testing and commencement of treatment with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) /or antibiotics is key in the management of cases.
“Community based surveillance is important. Communities need to support cases to the closest hospital. Other preventive measures include; cook food properly and thoroughly before you eat.
“Avoid if necessary street foods/drinks that are not prepared in hygienic conditions e.g street foods not covered or if the seller’s hygiene is a concern. Ensure to boil well, river/or borehole water before you drink as well as chlorinate water.
“Practise regular hand washing with soap and running water before and handling food as well as after using the toilet. Do not delay at home in starting ORS/ or present to the closest hospital when someone close to you is sick.
“Keep your environment clean, install hand washing points in Schools, Churches/mosques, and other public places to reduce the risk of the spread of cholera in the population at risk,” he said.
