Over 100 persons have died of the disease in Jigawa in the last four weeks, Dr. Salihu Mu’azu, permanent secretary in the state’s ministry of health Dr. SalisuMu’azusaid yesterday in Dutse, the state capital.
About 5,000 have been hospitalised.
“As of last Sunday we recorded over 100 deaths, with 5,000 persons admitted in hospitals in 19 out of 27 local councils in the state,” Mu’azu said, attributing the outbreak to widespread use of contaminated water, consumption of poorly washed vegetables, and unwholesome personal hygiene.
He said the state and United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are collaborating to contain the disease.
In Rivers, there is anxiety in Bille kingdom, Degema local council following an outbreak of the disease.
No death had been reported but many persons were said to have shown symptoms of the waterborne disease.
Council chair Michael Williams has reportedly led a team of medical personnel to the kingdom to assess the situation.
He said Governor Nyesom Wike has directed the Ministry of Health and affiliate agencies to quickly respond to the health crisis and bring it under control.
