Cholera has killed eight persons while 66 others are hospitalized in three local governments areas of Kogi State.
Kogi State Ministry of Health listed the affected local governments as Ankpa, Kogi and Lokoja.
The state’s epidemiologist, Dr Austin Ojotu said some persons in the state have been reported of having symptoms of cholera in recent times.
“We were able to confirm cholera outbreak in Kogi, Lokoja and Ankpa LGAs with 66 persons affected and 8 deaths. The fatalities are recorded in border communities with hard-to-reach terrains,” he said.
According to him, findings revealed that the majority of the deaths occurred at home.
He, however, said the state was working closely with the local government authorities to curb the spread of the disease.
He also said there was a massive campaign to enlighten the residents on the need to adhere strictly to safety measures, such as maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, drinking clean waters, proper handling of food and vegetables.
He urged those experiencing symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting to visit the nearest health facility.
He assured that government would continue to collaborate with critical stakeholders and partners to ensure that no single individual dies of preventable disease in the state.
