A cholera outbreak in Adamawa State has claimed the lives of 15 individuals, with over 300 others hospitalized.
The epidemic has affected four local government areas: Yola South, Yola North, Fufore, and Girei. Adamawa State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami, has officially confirmed a cholera outbreak in the state after laboratory results from the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja verified 30 out of 38 samples as positive for cholera.
The remaining samples included six negative results, two still undergoing isolation, and 12 pending with seven deaths recorded in government facilities and eight more within the communities.
The government, in collaboration with development partners like UNICEF, has taken significant steps to contain the outbreak.
They have secured 200,000 cholera vaccines, isolated patients, administered treatments, and conducted lab tests to confirm the organism responsible for the acute watery diarrhea. Tangwami highlighted the government’s proactive measures, which have helped curb the spread of the disease.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of personal hygiene and sanitation in combating the epidemic. He also explained that the delay in publicly announcing the outbreak was due to the need for thorough scientific verification to avoid premature conclusions, which could have serious implications for the state.
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The outbreak has led to 308 people being hospitalized, of which 244 have been successfully treated and discharged.
Sadly, 15 deaths have been recorded, with six occurring at healthcare facilities and six at home. Tangwami urged the public to exercise caution, particularly with hygiene practices and water sources, as well as to limit unnecessary movements and interactions.
The government, working with health professionals, is actively managing the situation with a combination of medical care and community outreach. Tangwami reassured the public that the state is making every effort to prevent the disease from spreading further, encouraging calm and cooperation with health workers.
He also called on the community to remain prayerful and supportive as the state faces this health crisis, while highlighting that previous outbreaks have been successfully contained through similar efforts.
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