It is no longer news that cholera is consuming thousands of lives in Nigeria. Since its outbreak, many people have died of the disease just as many are currently in different hospitals across the country.
Cholera is an infectious and extremely virulent disease that causes severe diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. Two of the major ways of contracting the disease are; drinking contaminated water and taking contaminated food.
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Cholera is prevalent in semi-urban slums and camps for internally displaced persons or refugees, where there is hardly clean water and the sanitation is questionable.
Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera. Most of those infected have no or mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution.
Rapid access to treatment is essential during a cholera outbreak. Oral rehydration should be available in communities, in addition to larger treatment centres that can provide intravenous fluids and 24-hour care. With early and proper treatment, the issue can be addressed.
Governments at all levels need to rise to the occasion to check these infections. There should be awareness campaigns on how to keep environments clean. Hygienic practices like hand-washing with soap, safe preparation and storage of food and safe disposal of the faeces of children should be promoted.
Adequate information should be provided to communities about the potential risks and symptoms of cholera, precautions to take to avoid the disease and where to report cases when symptoms appear. The location of appropriate treatment sites should also be shared.
Mallam Musbahu Magayaki is of the Department of Health Education, Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare.
