Cholera kills eight in Oyo State

Cholera has killed eight people in Oyo State and ten others have been
hospitalised, health officials said Thursday, in the latest outbreak
to hit the state following a heavy rainy season.
Nigeria suffered cholera epidemics during the rainy seasons of 2010
and 2011, with nearly 2,000 people killed over two years.
While 2012 saw few reported infections, health officials warn that
Nigeria remains vulnerable to further outbreaks because of its high
population density and poor sanitation in many areas.
"We have eight deaths and 10 people in the hospital," said Cosmas Oni,
spokesman for the health ministry in southwestern Oyo state, adding
that the outbreak was confirmed on Monday.
"We have also embarked on a campaign to enlighten the people on the
need to always clean their environment and drink clean water because
the whole place is reeling with dirt," Oni told AFP.
Cholera, a highly contagious intestinal infection, is transmitted by
water soiled by human waste. The disease leads to diarrhoea,
dehydration and death if untreated.
Cholera outbreaks occur regularly during the rainy season in Nigeria,
when downpours wash contaminants into wells used by families.
The rainy season typically runs from April to September