Report says about seven people have died and 71 others hospitalised as a result of cholera outbreak in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The National Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a statement on its X page on Tuesday.
According to NEMA, the cholera outbreak was caused by a recent flood that contaminated the communities’ drinking water sources.
According to the statement about one hundred persons are also under monitoring and observation, adding that some patients have been transferred to the Federal Medical Center in the state due to lack of space at the isolation centre.
“The National Emergency Management Agency has responded to a suspected cholera outbreak in Yola North LGA of Adamawa State, affecting the communities of Alkalawa, Doubeli, Rumde, and Gwadabawa.
“As of September 16, 2024, 71 patients have been hospitalised, with over 100 under observation, and seven confirmed deaths.
“The outbreak is attributed to a recent flood disaster that contaminated the primary drinking water source. Due to the overflow at the isolation centre, some patients are being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre.”
NEMA further disclosed that it had collaborated with the state government to implement emergency measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the disease.
“NEMA, along with the Adamawa State government, has initiated emergency measures, including chlorinating toilets and providing water treatment to reduce the spread of infection.
“They have also conducted community education to raise awareness about the disease. NEMA is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with stakeholders for timely intervention,” the statement concluded.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had on June 24,
2024 disclosed that the country had recorded 1,528 suspected cases of cholera and 53 deaths in 31 states across 107 Local Government Areas.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, during a press briefing on the update on the cholera situation in the country, noted that the Federal Government had activated the National Emergency Operation Centre for cholera.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.
Cholera is a disease affecting people with inadequate access to safe water and basic sanitation.
Conflict, unplanned urbanization and climate change all increase the risk of cholera.
Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera.
Most of those infected have no or mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution.
Severe cases need rapid treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
Provision of safe water and basic sanitation, and hygiene practices is critical to prevent and control the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Read also
