Cholera: Edo Govt tasks residents on hygiene, sanitation

As Nigeria grapples with a cholera outbreak affecting some states, Edo Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) has urged residents of the state to prioritize personal hygiene and sanitation practices.

Mrs Irene Uabor, Health Educator, EDSPHCD), disclosed this during an interview with the newsmen on Wednesday in Benin.

Uabor said that the Agency had started sensitization on the disease at the local government councils.

She said, “while Edo has not recorded any cases of cholera, the risk of the disease spreading is significant, necessitating proactive measures to prevent an outbreak”.

The health educator said that the disease was characterized by severe diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to rapid dehydration and, if left untreated, could be fatal within hours.

“Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food.”

She emphasized the importance of clean water and proper sanitation, saying, “Cholera thrives in environments where water and food sources are contaminated with faecal matter.

“Ensuring access to clean drinking water, proper disposal of waste, and maintaining personal hygiene are key to preventing cholera.”

“Residents are advised to boil water before drinking, avoid eating street food, and wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

“Communities are also encouraged to improve waste management practices, ensuring that dirts are disposed of in designated areas and not left in the open where it can contaminate water sources,” she said.

She added that the agency had heightened media campaigns on the awareness and preventive measures against the disease in the state.