Cletus Shurkuk, a medical doctor and Commissioner for Health in Plateau State, has confirmed that the state has not recorded any case of cholera, despite the outbreak in other parts of Nigeria.
In a telephone interview with BusinessDay on Wednesday in Jos, Shurkuk revealed that two suspected cases were reported, 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.
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The commissioner added that the Ministry of Health is engaging with media houses to raise awareness about cholera symptoms and preventive measures.
“As a result of the cholera outbreak in some of the states across Nigeria, 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 state ministry of health too has been engaging different media houses within the state to create awareness of it’s symptoms as well as preventive measures so that the people of the state will be able to report to the health care facilities as early as possible when ever they notice symptoms of cholera”.
Shurkuk emphasised 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 medical doctor 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 if 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.
“They among others include some intravenous antibiotics. Also some health care facilities have been mandated that once they have any suspected case they should report to the plateau state ministry of health surveillance team so that prompt action will be taken in other to prevent spread to other citizens of the state”; he said.
The health commissioner added that the ministry is working with the water board and water supply agency to sensitise citizens on the importance of using clean water.
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“We are also working in partnership with the state water board and there is actually improvement of clean water supply in the state. We are also working in conjunction with the water supply agency in sensitising the citizens on the need to use clean water to avoid cholera”; the commissioner added.
Shurkuk commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in preventing the spread of cholera and urged citizens to report any suspected cases promptly just as he assured them of the state’s preparedness.
While reiterating the state’s commitment to maintaining a cholera-free status, Shurkuk said governor Caleb Mutfwang leadership and proactive approach has been instrumental in keeping Plateau State safe from the cholera outbreak.
