By Kasham Isaac
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk has confirmed that the state has not recorded any case of cholera, despite the outbreak in other parts of Nigeria.
Dr. Shurkuk in a telephone interview, revealed that two suspected cases were reported and he asked for a test to be carried out on them, but the test results came back negative.
He said as a result of that, the state has strengthened its surveillance system to ensure early detection and prompt response to potential cholera cases.
“In Plateau state for now we have not recorded any case, we had two suspected cases but the results turned out to be negative. As a result of that, the state has strengthened it’s surveillance system to ensure prompt and early detection of cholera cases.
The commissioner added that, as a result of the cholera outbreak in some of the states across Nigeria, the Ministry of Health is engaging with media houses to raise awareness about cholera symptoms and preventive measures so that the people will report to the health care facilities as early as possible when ever they notice symptoms of cholera.
Shurkuk emphasized the importance of early reporting to healthcare facilities if symptoms persist, adding that the state is working closely with the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to tackle any potential cases.
The Commissioner noted that NCDC has already sent medical commodities, including intravenous antibiotics, to the state. According to him, healthcare facilities have been mandated to report suspected cases to the Ministry’s surveillance team.
“We are also in talking terms with the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) in trying to see if we can tackle the cases of cholera incase there is any recorded case in Plateau. So far with the support of the Director General of NCDC, some medical commodities have already been sent to the state which we received.
The health commissioner added that the ministry is working with the water board and water supply agency to sensitize citizens on the importance of using clean water.
Shurkuk commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in preventing the spread of cholera and urged citizens to report any suspected cases promptly, as he assured them of the state’s preparedness.
While reiterating the state’s commitment to maintaining a cholera-free status, Shurkuk said, leadership of the present administration has put on a proactive approach that is instrumental in keeping Plateau State safe from the cholera outbreak.
