Twelve persons have reportedly died due to the outbreak of cholera in four local government areas in Adamawa State.
Adamawa State has now joined the list of states battling cholera outbreaks in the country, a situation attributed to community flooding and inadequate hygiene practices, among other factors.
The state government recently reported that the four local government areas of Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Fufore are experiencing what has been classified as acute watery diarrhea.
Thirty samples have been collected and sent to the national reference laboratory for analysis to determine the infection’s cause, while affected individuals are being isolated at the Infectious Disease Centre located within the specialist hospital in Yola.
During a media briefing in Yola, the State Health Commissioner, Felix Tangwami, gave details of the recent development, stating that over 300 individuals have been hospitalized, with 244 already discharged.
Following a meeting with key healthcare providers, Tangwami provided further details on the outbreak, noting that UNICEF health officer Olusheyi Oloshide has confirmed the arrival of cholera vaccines in the state to aid in controlling the situation.
The necessity of confirming the outbreak arose after initial reports suggested that the recent cases were acute watery diarrhea rather than cholera, as previously suspected.
The state has already received cholera vaccines from its partners.
The government has urged the public to remain calm and enhance their hygiene practices in light of the situation.
Tangwami indicated that surveillance officers have been assigned to educate the community on measures to prevent the outbreak from spreading to other local government areas within the state.
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