Cholera: Kano gov’t caution residents against drinking of rain water

In the face of cases of cholera outbreaks recorded in Lagos and Ogun, among others, the Kano State government has cautioned residents of the state against drinking and using water sourced from rainfall as the rainy season sets in the state.

The state’s commissioner of health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, who made the call in a statement by the head, information and public relations unit of the Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Abdullahi, noted that the rainy season usually comes with cholera complications, of which some states in the country have already fallen victim.

Dr. Yusuf warned the residents that if they must drink rainwater, it must be purified using water treatment substances, including boiling and filtering, before use.

The Commissioner further advised people to always examine and wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating to avoid cholera and other diseases.

The statement reads: “He emphasised that people need to be wary in this regard in order to protect themselves from taking 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 be purified using water treatment substances, including boiling and filtering, before use. This will help greatly to safeguard people against bondage of cholera.

“He then assured the stance of the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf to continue giving all the needed attention to care of the people of the state, as health is one of the aspects that the Governor accords maximum priorities.

“To this end, Dr. Yusuf 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. We have to protect ourselves before we get Allah’s protection,” the statement, however, reads.

Source: Vanguard