Just In: Eight dead, 66 persons affected, as Diarrhoea outbreak hits Kogi

Fresh Angle International can report that eight persons have been confirmed dead as a result of Diarrhoea outbreak in five local government areas of Kogi State.

So far, 66 persons have been affected in the state, with recorded 129 cases.

Kogi State Epidemiologist, Dr. Austin Ojotule, reportedly confirmed the diarrhoea outbreak in the state, in a statement released to newsmen today, Wednesday August 25, on behalf of the State Commissioner for Health, Saka Audu.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that the affected local government areas include; Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, Ankpa and Kabba Bunu. The figures were recorded between February and August this year.

The statement reads in part: "It has become very important for us as a Ministry to brief the press on the outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting suspected to be Cholera in some Local Government Areas of the State in recent time. 

"Seven communities were affected in the aforementioned LGAs with 129 cases. However, we were able to confirm Cholera in three of the communities in Kogi, Lokoja and Ankpa LGAs, with 66 persons affected and 8 deaths (CFR=12.12%).These are Border Communities with hard to reach terrains.

"It is important to mention at this point that most of the deaths, have occurred before the reports got to the Local government/state authorities. Our findings also revealed that majority of the deaths in all the outbreaks occurred at home.

“In all the cases, the State Ministry of Health has supported the outbreak response, with response commodities and technical support. The state is working closely with the local governments to avert further outbreaks, by strengthening and sustaining community sensitization and mobilization.

 "This is to ensure that communities adopted health safety measures such as good personal and environmental hygiene, washing of hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet, avoid open defecation, boiling of drinking water and proper cooking and handling of food and vegetables, before eating as these measures are very key in preventing diarrhoea diseases. People with diarrhoea and vomiting are encouraged to visit the nearest health facility as soon as they notice symptoms".

Ojotule, however added that Government will continue to collaborate with critical stakeholders and partners to ensure that no single individual dies of preventable disease in the state.

He averred that Government will work with relevant agencies to ensure the provision of portable water in communities within the state and to ensure that diarrhoea is reduced to the barest minimum in Kogi State.

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