Cholera Outbreak In Adamawa: Seven Killed, 71 Others Hospitalised -NEMA
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said seven people lost their lives to a cholera outbreak in the Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while 71 others have been hospitalised.
The Agency disclosed this in a statement shared on its official X handle on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
It read, “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.”
The Agency 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 said.
Recall that the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had last week warned flooded and flood prone states to be alert and take proactive steps to forestall and swiftly respond to epidemics of water-borne diseases.
