Friday, 25th June 2021: The Federal Capital Territory has recorded a total of 91 suspected cases of cholera and seven deaths in Abuja Municipal Area Council as at June 23.

Dr Mohammed Kawu, Acting Secretary, FCTA Health and Human Services Secretariat, made the disclosure at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Kawu explained that out of the 91 suspected cases, three were tested positive through the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits.

The Secretary, who said the other affected area councils were: Bwari and Gwagwalada, however, revealed that no death was recorded in Gwagwalada and Bwari.

He said from May 2021, FCT began to receive reports of sporadic cases of gastro-enteritis in some communities, namely: Wassa Community Internally Displaced Persons Camps, Dei Dei, Zuba Community, Shenagun and Kubwa in three area councils.

Kawu said the health secretariat through the Department of Public Health had intensified surveillance in the communities and health facilities also directed the area councils to do the same.

He also said the secretariat had provided some Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits drugs and consumables in some of the health facilities with reported cases.

He revealed that the secretariat was in the process of distributing drugs and consumables to the remaining health facilities including some key primary health facilities.

According to Kawu, community sensitisation on preventive measures is ongoing.

He enjoined the FCT residents to report any case of diarrhoea to the nearest health facility or the department of public health.

The Secretary also urged residents to ensure that all food are properly cleaned and well cooked before consumption.

Similarly, Kawu advised residents to ensure that wastes, especially faecal wastes, are hygienically disposed.

Cholera is a severe faeco-oral gastro intestinal infection caused by the bacteria, vibro-cholerae, Sero-type 01 or O139.