A member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke has likeked cholera outbreak in some parts of Nigeria to COVID-19.
He therefore wanted the same level of seriousness with which COVID-19 was handled to be applied to the ravaging cholera.
Faleke, who spoke to newsmen in Lagos today, July 1, stressed the need for the government to do more to curb the outbreak that had so far claimed many lives.
”Every Nigerian needs to be careful. Our attitude to cleanliness matters.
“The way we took COVID-19 seriously is the way we should take this cholera outbreak.
“Cholera has killed many people. We expected that, in this modern age, we should not be having an outbreak of cholera in Nigeria.
“However, it has come; so, we have to deal with it. People should be more careful with what they eat and drink.
“There are many fake products out there. Stop taking fake products. You don’t have to drink anything, take clean water.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control had recently reported 53 deaths due to cholera outbreak in the country.
The NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris had said that the Federal Government had activated the National Emergency Operation Centre for cholera.
“As of June 24, 2024, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths were recorded across 31 states and 107 LGAs with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.”
Meanwhile, Lagos State Government, has cautioned the residents to maintain good hygiene to avoid contracting cholera or other water and airborne diseases.
The Permanent Secretary in State Public Service Office, Sunkanmi Oyegbola, gave the word of caution today.