SOKOTO — Four persons have died and 56 others hospitalized as a result of an outbreak of diarrhea, occasioned by water contamination in Sokoto, the state capital.
The incident occurred at Helele in Sokoto North Local Government Area of Sokoto metropolis.
Dr. Ali Inname, Commissioner for Health in Sokoto State told newsmen on Wednesday that the state government had contained the spread of the disease, and attributed the incident to the drinking of contaminated water by people in the affected settlement.
He said an investigation was still ongoing to unravel the source of the contamination, adding that residents were also being sensitized on the dangers of using such water.
“The survivors had been placed on treatment at Helele and Kofar Rini Primary Healthcare Centres as well as Sokoto Specialist Hospital.
“The water contamination was due to illegal connection of the water pipe and poor sewage system in the Helele community”, he said.
Inname advised members of the community to desist from the indiscriminate refuse dump and ensure good hygiene, adding that the government would henceforth punish defaulters in order to restore sanity to the area.
Recall that Gov. Aminu Tambuwal had, on Tuesday, expressed sadness over the incident and condoled with the families and relations of those who lost their lives to the disease.
Tambuwal had also constituted a committee of experts, headed by the Commissioners of Health and Environment, to investigate the source of the disease and find its cure and prevention.
The governor said that the state government had taken responsibility for the treatment of the victims, wished them quick recovery and safe return to their families and loved ones.
He urged residents of the affected area to remain calm and to ensure good sanitation and hygiene in order to prevent the disease from spreading.
