Cholera Outbreak: Kano Warns Residents Against Drinking Rainwater

Following the cholera outbreak in the country, the Kano State Government has advised residents against drinking rainwater to prevent the spread as the rainy season sets in.

The advice was contained in a statement by the Head of the Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Abdullahi, and issued to newsmen on Saturday.

Abdullahi said the advice was necessary because usually, the rainy season comes up with cholera complications which some states in the country have already fallen victim to.

“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.

READ: Cholera Outbreak: Nigeria Runs Out Of Vaccine

“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 people to always wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly with clean water before consumption because they are mostly purchased from the markets with little 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.