The Yobe State government has reported a total of 132 cholera cases as of September 25, with nine fatalities linked to the outbreak.
This information was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mohammed Gana, during a statement in Damaturu.
The affected areas include Gubja, Fune, Machina, Nangere, and Nguru Local Government Areas.
Dr. Gana noted that 112 patients have received treatment and were discharged, while the nine deceased accounted for 6.8 percent of those infected.
The outbreak was confirmed after samples from patients with Acute Watery Diarrhea were tested at the National Disease Control Centre and the University of Maiduguri.
The presence of Vibrio cholera, the bacteria responsible for cholera, was identified in these samples.
The ongoing heavy rains and resulting flooding have severely damaged road infrastructure across the state, disrupting access to potable water and leading to contamination of water sources.
This situation has contributed to an increase in cases of Acute Watery Diarrhea.
The commissioner emphasized the need for timely medical intervention to combat the outbreak effectively.
Dr. Gana has called for collaboration among health sector partners, religious and traditional leaders, and the general public to address the cholera crisis.
He urged all stakeholders, including international and local organizations, to lend their expertise and resources to support the state’s cholera response efforts.
