Nasarawa State has refuted media reports alleging cholera outbreak in the State.
Dr Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health says there are no confirmed cases of cholera outbreak anywhere in the state.
The commissioner made the disclosure at a press conference in Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA) on Monday.
Gwamna however said that 29 suspected cases of cholera were recorded in two out of the 13 LGAs of the state.
He explained that 19 suspected cases were recorded in Kokona and 10 in Nassarawa-Eggon LGAs with one mortality.
“The cases at the moment are still suspected and even the person that died in Nassarawa-Eggon was not confirm, but a suspected case before his death,” he added.
He said that the suspected cases are currently being screened to ascertain their status.
The commissioner said that because of the outbreak in some states, the Ministry has taken measures to prevent it before it occurred.
He explained that the outbreak of cholera normally happens around this time of the year because of heavy down pour usually leading to contamination of water sources that people use.
Gwamna said that already sensitisation has been stepped up in collaboration with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to educate the people to improve hygiene and ensure regular sanitation.
The commissioner added that the state has deployed Disease Surveillance Officers to every electoral ward across the 13 LGAs of the State.
He explained that the Disease Surveillance Officers are responsible for reporting suspected cases based on the symptoms to the Ministry for prompt action.
“They are expected to give reports of happenings in their areas on daily basis to enable the government take action in case of any outbreak,” the commissioner added.
Gwamna noted that provision of quality and affordable healthcare services was one of the topmost priority of the Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration.
He further explained that the governor had approved the upgrading of four Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to General Hospitals for improved services.
He listed the PHCs that were approved to be upgraded to General Hospitals as those of PHC Assakyo in Lafia, Gudi in Akwanga, New Karu in Karu and Azara in Awe LGA.