The Kano State Government has advised residents to avoid drinking rainwater during the rainy season to prevent the spread of cholera.
The statement was issued on Saturday by Ibrahim Abdullahi, Head of the Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Health.
Abdullahi stated that the advice was important because the rainy season is frequently associated with cholera complications, which have already affected certain states in the country.
“Hence, it is necessary to warn and remind 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.
“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.”
Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, Commissioner of Health, also recommended that people always fully wash vegetables and fruits with clean water before consumption because they are often obtained from dirty markets.
Yusuf guaranteed that the state governor’s administration, Abba Yusuf, will continue to devote all of its resources to the state’s people’s healthcare, adding that health is one of the governor’s top concerns.
Labaran advised residents to report to the nearest health institution as soon as they get unwell, praying for the safety of Kano State and its people from cholera and other infections.
Cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease that occurs primarily during the rainy season and more commonly in places with inadequate sanitation.
On Thursday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed a cholera outbreak in numerous regions of the world, with about 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the beginning of 2024.cera