Adamawa State is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has resulted in 15 confirmed deaths. Health authorities warn that the situation may be worse than reported, with approximately 300 additional individuals currently hospitalized due to the illness. The outbreak has predominantly affected four local government areas: Yola South, Yola North, Fufore, and Girei.
Health Commissioner Felix Tangwami confirmed the outbreak during a recent press briefing in Yola, stating that seven of the fatalities occurred within government healthcare facilities, while the remaining eight were reported in local communities. The rapid spread of cholera has raised alarm among health officials, prompting an urgent response from the state government.
To combat the outbreak, the government has secured 200,000 cholera vaccines from international partners, specifically UNICEF, as part of its containment strategy. Health workers are actively isolating patients, administering treatment, and conducting laboratory tests to identify the specific strain of bacteria responsible for the acute watery diarrhea that characterizes cholera.
Commissioner Tangwami emphasized that the proactive measures taken thus far have been crucial in curbing the epidemic’s spread. He encouraged families to invest heavily in personal hygiene and sanitation practices, noting that individual efforts are vital to controlling the outbreak.
The timing of the outbreak’s announcement has been a topic of discussion, as officials wanted to ensure that thorough testing was completed before going public. Tangwami clarified that announcing the epidemic prematurely could lead to misinformation and panic within the community.
In terms of testing, officials sent 38 samples to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, with 30 returning positive for cholera. Six samples were negative, while the status of the remaining samples is still pending. This data has solidified the confirmation of the cholera outbreak in the state.
In light of these developments, health authorities are urging the public to exercise caution regarding personal hygiene and the sources of drinking water. As of now, a total of 308 individuals have been admitted for treatment, with 244 successfully discharged and 15 deaths reported.
The government remains committed to managing this health crisis and is working closely with health workers and community leaders to ensure that accurate information is disseminated. Officials have called for public cooperation, urging citizens to remain calm and adhere to health guidelines as the state navigates this challenging situation.
