A recent cholera outbreak in Kwalmiya, located in Kanam District within Plateau State’s Kanam Local Government Area, has tragically claimed the lives of two residents and left 18 others hospitalized. This outbreak, confirmed by Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, has brought urgent attention to health and hygiene practices in the community as efforts intensify to prevent the disease’s spread.
The outbreak was first identified this week, prompting a swift response from local health authorities. According to Dr. Shurkuk, “We woke up this week to the report of a suspected cholera case in the Kwalmiya community…we mobilized resources, and from the assessment, 20 people were affected.” He reported that of the 20 affected, two residents lost their lives. However, quick treatment helped 16 others recover and return home, with two patients still under medical care.
To curb the spread, health officials are collaborating with local Primary Healthcare centers and providing essential medical supplies to treat patients and manage potential future cases. Dr. Shurkuk also emphasized the need for vigilance, stressing strict hygiene practices such as boiling drinking water, washing fruits, regular handwashing, and avoiding open defecation. “If clean water sources are unavailable,” he advised, “boiling water can significantly reduce contamination risks.”
In addressing the region’s water issues, the State Ministry of Health is working with the State Ministry of Water Resources to improve access to clean water in Kwalmiya. Currently, residents rely on a single well due to two malfunctioning boreholes, which the local government has been urged to repair to reduce reliance on potentially unsafe water sources. Access to clean water is critical in preventing future cholera cases, as contaminated water is a common transmission source for the disease.
Dr. Shurkuk’s urgent call for prompt reporting of suspected cases highlights a key factor in managing cholera outbreaks. Delayed information, he noted, may have impacted the outcome for some patients, underscoring the importance of swift community communication with health authorities. The state’s health ministry remains on high alert, continuing efforts to contain the outbreak and ensure the safety of the community.
