Gombe declares outbreak as 10 die of cholera

Gombe has declared an outbreak of cholera after ten deaths were recorded across the state.

According to NAN, Habu Dahiru, Gombe commissioner for health, said this on Thursday while addressing journalists.

Dahiru, who was represented by Abdulrahman Shuaibu, executive secretary of the Gombe Primary Health Care Development Agency, said as of September 20, 236 cases of cholera had been recorded in the state.

“This year, from June, we had sporadic cases of cholera in Balanga LGA and because of the preparedness and prompt response; it has been largely subdued without escalation,” he said.

“These outbreaks are recorded in eight wards across Balanga, Yamaltu-Deba, Nafada, Funakaye and Gombe LGA of the state.

“The state ministry of health has promptly initiated public health actions for prevention and control of the disease.

“As of September 20, there was an increase in the number of cases in Gombe state as 236 cases have been listed so far.”

The commissioner said increased downpour of rain and flooding in many parts of the state led to the cholera outbreak.

He said decontamination of wells and boreholes in affected communities would be carried out and distribution of water treatment tablets in all affected communities would be conducted.

There have been concerns over flooding in several states in recent months.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over 300 persons have been killed, while 100,000 others have been displaced by floods in 2022.

The agency said 29 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) have been affected by floods so far in 2022.

“Our record indicates that more than 300 lives have been lost, 500 persons are seriously injured, with more than 100,000 others displaced and living either in temporary shelters, including schools, other public buildings, among benevolent host families,” the agency said.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there have been 3,610 cases of cholera in 2022 with 91 deaths reported.