Children at Risk as Plateau Cholera Cases Surge to 537, Death Toll Hits 17
Worsening cholera epidemic in Plateau State has caused worries about protection and welfare of children with 537 suspected and 17 reported deaths.
The state government reported that 517 patients have recovered and been discharged, and three are still being treated at health facilities. The only council that has patients on admission is Jos North.
The disease outbreak may impact the broader population but children may be at higher risk if disease outbreaks occur, especially when clean water, sanitation and health care are not available. So prevention of cholera is imperative to avoid unnecessary illness and to ensure healthy child development.
The Plateau State Government stated that it has stepped up surveillance, public health education and case management and environmental sanitation activities in all local government areas. Surveillance officers are also on alert to detect and immediately respond to suspected cases.
The government is collaborating with development partners and the Ministry of Environment to resolve the sanitation problems. Chlorine has been given to households through the SURWASH programme, especially to communities where water sources are seen as a concern.
Health experts have advised everyone to wash their hands frequently, cook food properly, keep their surroundings clean, keep the toilets clean and use them quickly if people experience symptoms such as frequent diarrhoea and vomiting.
Organisations such as World Health Organization and UNICEF are also involved in the response.
During the outbreak, access to safe drinking water, sanitation, access to healthcare and accurate health information are of importance from a child protection perspective. This means that if disease develops it can be prevented from turning into a life threatening situation with good community surveillance and prompt treatment.
Police have been asking residents to aid health workers and taking steps to prevent further infection as an effort to stop the outbreak.
