Three killed , 34 hospitalised as cholera hits Plateau

No fewer than three people have been confirmed killed and 34 others
hospitalised as Cholera breaks out in Gumbur Ward in Wase Local
Government Area of Plateau State.

The latest incident happened less than a month after two persons were
killed and 40 affected in a similar outbreak in Gaji, Zak and Wase
town.

Chairman of the local government, Mr Zakari Abdul, told newsmen on
Tuesday in Wase that the disease broke out on Sunday.

The chairman, who spoke through Director of Primary Health Care
Department, Mr Ayuba Ahuta, said this marked the second time the state
was experiencing cholera outbreak in the council.

Abdul said the victims had been vomiting and passing stool since they
contracted the disease, adding however that the condition of the
victims had stabilised.

He said, "The diarrhea and vomiting of the 34 affected persons have
been brought under control by our medical personnel in the council. We
are not happy with the development, because we lost precious lives
which could be have added a lot of changes to our developmental stride
as a council."

Abdul said he had reported the matter to the state Ministry of Health
for assistance considering the number of persons affected.

He added, "We do not want a situation where the epidemic will be out
of control and ravage our people; we dispatched our medical team with
drugs that same Sunday to control the situation.

"In fact, even this morning (Tuesday), we sent more drugs to the area,"

He called on the people of the affected area to be hygienic in order
to prevent the spread of the disease.

"People should ensure that they properly wash their hands before
eating, wash vegetables and fruits very well before eating as well as
have good and clean toilet," said.

The council chairman also called on the federal and state government
to come to the aid of the council so as combat the disease.