With the death toll and confirmed cases from cholera rising by the day, the Kano State Government has advised residents not to drink rainwater to prevent the further spread of the disease as the rainy season has set in.
The advice was contained in a statement on Saturday, by the Head of the Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Abdullahi and issued to newsmen on Saturday.
He said the advice became necessary because usually, the rainy season comes with cholera complications, which some states in the country have already fallen victim to.
Abdullahi stated, “Hence, it is necessary to warn and remind the people that prevention is better than cure. People should always examine what they take, most importantly vegetables, fruits and drinking water. People need to be wary in this regard to protect themselves from contaminated food or water.
“It is important for people to understand that the rainwater at the beginning of the rainy season is unclean. If one must use it, it must then be purified using water treatment substances, including boiling and filtering before use.
“This will help greatly to safeguard people against the bondage of cholera.”
The Commissioner of Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf also urged residents to always wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly with clean water before eating because they are mostly purchased from the markets with little or no regard for cleanliness.
Yusuf assured that the state Governor, Abba Yusuf’s administration will continue to give all the needed attention to the healthcare of the people of the state, adding that health is one of the aspects that the governor accords maximum priorities.
Labaran urged people to report to the nearest health facility as soon as possible whenever they fall ill, praying for the safety of Kano state and its people against cholera and other illnesses
Cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually mostly during the rainy season and more frequently in areas with poor sanitation.
On Thursday, the World Health Organisation announced a spike in cholera in several regions of the world with almost 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the start of 2024.
