Nigeria: Cholera Outbreak Claims Seven Lives in Yola North, 71 Hospitalised

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

At least seven people have died in a cholera outbreak in the Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigerian, while 71 others have been hospitalized, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The outbreak, reported on Tuesday, September 16, 2024, was linked to a recent flood that contaminated the drinking water sources in the affected communities of Alkalawa, Doubeli, Rumde, and Gwadabawa. NEMA shared this information via a statement on its official X.com (formerly Twitter) account.

Recall, AFRICAN CULTURE TV reported that the cholera outbreak initially claimed four lives and left 36 others hospitalized.

The agency disclosed that over 100 additional individuals are under monitoring and observation due to potential exposure to the disease.

The statement read, “The National Emergency Management Agency has responded to a suspected cholera outbreak in Yola North LGA of Adamawa State. As of September 16, 2024, 71 patients have been hospitalized, with over 100 under observation, and seven confirmed deaths.”

With the isolation center at capacity, some patients have been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre for treatment.

NEMA, in collaboration with the Adamawa State government, has implemented emergency measures to curb the spread of the disease, including chlorinating toilets, providing water treatment, and launching community education efforts.

“NEMA is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with stakeholders for timely intervention,” the statement added.

This incident follows an earlier report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on June 24, 2024, which revealed that the country had recorded 1,528 suspected cases of cholera and 53 deaths across 31 states and 107 Local Government Areas.

NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed that the Federal Government had activated the National Emergency Operation Centre to combat cholera outbreaks nationwide.

https://x.com/nemanigeria/status/1835951342927437954?t=b3sLHmUfZLci8Lvrwqtajg&s=19