A cholera outbreak in the Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State has claimed the lives of at least seven people.
A statement by the National Emergency Management Agency shared on its X.com page on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, also said a total of 71 others have been hospitalized.
This development is in line with the announcement from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention that the nation has reported 1,528 suspected cholera cases and 53 fatalities in 31 States across 107 Local Government Areas.
NEMA claims that the epidemic was brought on by a recent flood that tainted the drinking water supplies in the affected villages. An additional hundred people were reportedly being watched over and observed, according to the statement.
“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,” the statement read.
“Seven confirmed deaths and nearly 100 patients under observation were among the 71 hospitalized patients as of September 16, 2024. The primary source of drinking water was contaminated by a recent flood disaster, which is the cause of the outbreak. Some patients at the isolation center are being sent to the Federal Medical Center due to overcrowding.
NEMA also revealed that it had worked with the state government to put emergency protocols in place that would lessen the effects of the disease. Emergency measures have been implemented by NEMA and the Adamawa State administration, which include treating water and chlorinating restrooms to stop the spread of disease.
To spread knowledge about the illness, they have also carried out community education. “NEMA is keeping a close eye on the situation and working with stakeholders to coordinate timely intervention,” the statement concluded.
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