A cholera outbreak in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has tragically resulted in four deaths, with several other residents receiving treatment in local health facilities

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]ragedy has struck Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State following a confirmed outbreak of cholera, which has sadly claimed the lives of four residents.

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It has been reported that a number of other individuals have been swiftly evacuated to various primary health care centres and cottage hospitals within the council area to receive urgent medical attention.

The Executive Chairman of Bokkos LGA, Mr. Amalau Amalau, confirmed the distressing development on Monday. He identified the affected communities as Hurti, Bokkos West, Bokkos Central, and Mangol.

Mr. Amalau assured that the Primary Health Care Department and the local cottage hospital are working closely together in a concerted effort to tackle the escalating health crisis.

He noted that while some of those affected are currently showing signs of recovery in hospital, others have thankfully been discharged.

“Yes, we have an outbreak of Cholera in some communities in Bokkos but the Primary Health Care Department in collaboration with the cottage hospital are working in synergy to address the challenge,” the LGA Chairman stated.

He further detailed the geographical spread of the outbreak, saying, “So far, we have lost about four persons as a result, and some others are recuperating in the hospital. Some have also been discharged.

We have two cases in Hurti community, Bokkos West and Bokkos Central and Mangol. These are the affected places.”

In light of this concerning situation, the LGA Chairman urgently appealed to all residents to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to globally recognised health guidelines.

This includes the consistent practice of good personal hygiene and maintaining a clean and sanitary environment.

“We are calling on the good people of Bokkos LGA to be cautious of the development and adhere to the UN guidelines and health activities.

They should practice good hygiene like keeping their environment clean, washing of hands constantly, washing of vegetables, fruit, drink clean water,” Mr. Amalau emphasised.

Crucially, he urged residents to be vigilant and to promptly report any symptoms indicative of cholera to their nearest Primary Health Care centre or to seek immediate medical attention at the referral centre located at any cottage hospital within Bokkos LGA.

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“Above all, they should report any symptom to the nearest PHC or go to referral center at any cottage hospital in Bokkos,” the chairman added, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention in controlling the spread of the disease.