Port Harcourt- Dr Omodu Samuel, Senior Lecturer, Rivers State College of Health Sciences, has decried poor sanitary habits among some residents of Nigerian cities.
Samuel, who made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Sunday, cited open defecation as one of such habits.
The don said the habit was also common among fishermen and farmers.
He said such behaviors posed serious health hazards to the inhabitants.
He said that open defecation usually caused water pollution and exposed residents to other water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
“Excreta is very dangerous because it contains hookworm, tapeworm and other worms; it also contains some protozoa and other pathogenic bacteria.
“The pathogens found in faeces when washed by the rain into domestic water or found in consumable animals like cow, goats and birds are responsible for spread of diseases.
“Cholera, dysentery and other viral diseases such as polio and hepatitis could easily be contracted through contaminated water and food,’’ he said.
He urged government to establish more public conveniences, and called on owners of public utilities such hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres to also provide toilet facilities in such places. (NAN)