Africa
SOME health workers in Dutse, Jigawa State, have urged residents to adopt preventive measures against waterborne diseases as the rainy season intensifies across the state, warning that poor sanitation could increase health risks.
The health workers gave the advice in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Dutse, emphasising the need for improved hygiene and safe water practices.
They warned that poor sanitation, consumption of unsafe water and indiscriminate disposal of waste could increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea during the rainy season.
Mr Sulaiman Abdullahi, a Senior Nursing Officer at General Hospital, Dutse, advised residents to ensure that drinking water was properly treated and safe for consumption at all times.
According to him, untreated water remains one of the major sources of waterborne diseases, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when water sources are vulnerable to contamination.
“Residents should ensure that water meant for drinking is properly treated. Where necessary, such water should be boiled before consumption, to reduce the risk of infection,” he said.
Abdullahi also urged residents to maintain proper personal and environmental hygiene, noting that preventive measures remain critical to reducing disease outbreaks and protecting public health.
“People should wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
“They should also avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, as such practices could contaminate water sources during the rainy season,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Mariya Abdullahi, a nurse at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, advised residents to seek medical attention promptly whenever symptoms associated with waterborne diseases appeared.
According to her, early presentation at health facilities would help prevent complications, improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of severe illness among affected individuals.
“Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhoea, vomiting or severe abdominal pain should report to the nearest health facility instead of resorting to self-medication.
“Early diagnosis and treatment remain key to preventing severe complications,” she said.
Abdullahi also urged food vendors to maintain high standards of hygiene in the preparation and sale of food to safeguard public health and prevent disease transmission.
NAN reports that the onset of the rainy season is often associated with increased cases of waterborne diseases in many communities due to poor sanitation and contamination of water sources.(NAN)
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Tags: Health workers Waterborne disease