By Usman Usman Garba
As a rider on the pieces of advice given by the State Health Commissioner on hygienical use of rainwater by the people of the state, the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has provided tips necessary for self and community protection against cholera.
The DG of the Centre, Prof. Muhammad Abbas called on the people of Kano state to accord the issue of cholera with seriousness due to its heinous consequences in the society.
A press release from the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Health quoted Prof. Abbas saying that cholera became worrisome in many states of the country, hence, though not found in Kano, people were strongly advised to take proactive measures to set the state free of negativity of the dreaded disease.
The DG explained that the commonest identified symptoms of cholera are diarrhoea, vomiting and rapid dehydration, advising that whoever is spotted with any or all of the symptoms should be rushed to the nearest health facility.
Prof. Abbas emphasized that people must take timely actions to avert cholera outbreaks in the state through frequent wash of hands with soap and water, drinking safe water and avoiding contaminated sources of water including rainwater.
He also advised people to avoid close contact with others showing symptoms of cholera, storing food appropriately and washing hands before and after using toilets.
Prof. Abbas also emphasized that people should develop the habit of staying safe with good hygiene as additional protection against cholera through using proper toilets, hygienical disposing of waste as well and washing hands with soap and water before handling food.
According to him, food should be thoroughly cooked and safely stored, raw and cooked seafood be avoided and fruits and vegetables must be adequately washed with clean water before use.
He assured the people of the state that his agency is up and doing, through the fullest support of the ministry, to focus on any public disease that may cause havoc to the socioeconomic well-being of the people of the state.
“I am using this opportunity to congratulate the healthy amiable governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf on the occasion of his first anniversary in office. Sir, the style of your stewardship gives us courage, and the priorities you accord the care of the people of the state are heartwarming.
“I am also registering my thankfulness to the Health Commissioner, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf for his indefatigability to see to the fulfilment of the positive intentions of His Excellency in the health sector and his fatherly guidance to us, the heads of health agencies,” Prof. Abbas wrapped up.
