A total of 132 cholera cases have been reported across Yobe State as of September 25, 2024, with 9 fatalities, the state government confirmed. The alarming outbreak has prompted urgent calls for action to curb the spread of the disease.
Dr. Mohammed Gana, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, made this disclosure in a statement on Friday, revealing that cholera cases have been reported in five local government areas; Gubja, Fune, Machina, Nangere, and Nguru.
The commissioner further shared that while 112 patients have been treated and discharged, however, nine people succumbed to the illness, representing 6.8% of the total cases. He attributed the fatalities to delays in accessing medical services.
Dr. Gana confirmed that tests conducted at the National Disease Control Centre (NDCC) and the University of Maiduguri identified the bacteria Vibrio cholera, responsible for the outbreak. He stressed that the situation has been aggravated by the ongoing heavy rainfall, which has damaged road networks and disrupted access to potable water in affected areas.
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“The flooding and subsequent contamination of water sources have triggered a rise in cases of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD), leading to the spread of cholera in the state,” Dr. Gana explained. The challenges in delivering medical aid to remote communities have further compounded the crisis.
The Commissioner issued a clarion call to stakeholders, including health partners, religious and traditional leaders, to unite in the fight against cholera. He appealed for the full expertise and support of international, national, and local partners to help stem the tide of the disease.
“This is a time for collective action,” Dr. Gana said. “We urge our partners to bring their full resources to support the cholera response effort in Yobe State.”
