Agency As fear over the further spread of cholera to other parts of the country heightens, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has warned Nigerians to avoid using contaminated water sources. The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja. NAN reports that Cholera is a deadly disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, associated with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
It has also been found in seemingly clean places, including affluent neighbourhoods, hotels and restaurants with poor hygiene practices, among others. The NCDC DG said increased reports of cholera outbreaks in some states prompted the agency to alert state authorities and citizens to take immediate precautions. “The contamination typically happens due to inadequate sanitation and poor infrastructure, which allow sewage to infiltrate drinking water systems,” he explained.
Idris advised states to ensure proper treatment of water before consumption, adding, “Boiling water and using water purification tablets can significantly reduce the risk of infection.” He assured that the centre will continue to monitor the situation closely and is collaborating with state governments to implement measures to control the spread of the disease. Idris added, “Public awareness campaigns are also underway to educate people on the importance of safe water practices and hygiene.
“Cholera is a highly i.
