A cholera outbreak has tragically resulted in two deaths and led to the hospitalization of 18 individuals in Kwalmiya, a community in Kanam District, Plateau State. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, confirmed the situation in Jos, informing residents of the state government’s immediate response measures. He urged community members to promptly report any suspected cholera cases to health officials to prevent further spread.
Dr. Shurkuk elaborated on the incident, stating, “We received reports of suspected cholera cases this week in Kwalmiya. Resources were mobilized swiftly, and following an assessment, it was found that 20 people were affected.” Out of the 20 individuals impacted, two unfortunately lost their lives, while the other 18 were treated; 16 have been discharged, with two still under medical supervision. Health teams are actively collaborating with local Primary Healthcare facilities, and necessary medical resources have been deployed.
In a public health advisory, the Commissioner advised residents to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, emphasizing the importance of treating drinking water, washing fruits, and regular handwashing to reduce contamination risks. He also recommended boiling water when clean sources are not available and avoiding open defecation. Dr. Shurkuk pointed out that delayed reporting of symptoms may have affected the outcomes for some patients and called for timely communication from communities on suspected cases.
Furthermore, the Commissioner explained that the Health Ministry is working closely with the State Ministry of Water Resources to address Kwalmiya’s water access challenges. The community currently depends on a single well for drinking water, as two local boreholes are non-functional. Local authorities have been urged to expedite repairs to provide safer water sources for residents.
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