The cholera outbreak death toll in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has jumped from 54 to 60, The Nation learnt on Thursday.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, disclosed this at the continuation of community sensitisation on cholera and other severe acute diarrhea diseases outbreaks in Pyakasa and Gwagwa respectively.
She also revealed that suspected cases have risen from 604 to 698 within 72 hours.
The Minister, who was represented by the Ag Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Iwot Ndaeyo, noted that Abaji area council recorded three suspected cases, no death; Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) recorded 281 suspected cases with 22 deaths while Bwari Area Council recorded 134 suspected cases with 22 deaths.
Gwagwalada area council recorded 220 suspected cases with 9 deaths; Kuje area council recorded 23 suspected cases with 4 deaths and Kwali area council recorded 37 suspected cases with 3 deaths.
Aliyu however vowed this ugly trend was unacceptable in the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the administration would not fold its hands and watch residents die helplessly over preventable diseases.
According to a statement on Thursday by her Special Assistant, Media, Austin Elemue, the Minister said: “We must take every necessary steps to curb further spread” just as she urged FCT residents and critical stakeholders to publicize the message of cholera disease prevention, proper sanitation with practice of hand hygiene in their respective communities”.
Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Abdullahi Candido affirmed commitment of his council to forestall continuous spread of the disease to adjoining and other communities.
He added the Primary Health Care Department of the council had embarked on sensitisation tour to all the four chiefdoms in AMAC so as to enlighten the traditional rulers and their councils about the cholera outbreak and preventive measures.
