Cholera: Adamawa records 500 cases, 23 deaths – official

The Adamawa Government says it has recorded 500 Cholera cases with 23 deaths since outbreak of the disease in the state in September.

The Director of Public Health in the state Ministry of Health, Dr Celine Laori, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday in Yola.

Laori said that the local government areas worst hit by cholera included Yola North, Girei and Lamurde respectively.

“Since the outbreak of the disease in the state in September till date, we have recorded about 500 suspected cases and 23 deaths.”

“Majority of those affected were treated and discharged,” the official said.

She called on the people of the state to maintain basic hygiene and sanitation, as well as ensure that food and water to be taken are safe.

Meanwhile, Malam Audu Ali, a resident of Yelwa Ward in Jimeta, Yola North LGA, lost three children to the cholera.

Aliyu told our correspondent that the incident occurred on Monday at the hospital, where the three children were rushed to for suspected cholera infection.

“Yesterday (Monday) morning, I left my house for my place of business and on my arrival, I received a call that three of my children, Muhammadu Audu, 10; Haruna Audu, 3; and Bilkisu Audu 4, were admitted in the hospital.”

“I rushed to the hospital, where they were receiving medical treatment, unfortunately, two of them died yesterday (Monday) and today ( Tuesday) in the morning, I lost the remaining one,”. Ali said.

When our correspondent visited Ali’s residence, medical personnel from Adamawa state Primary Healthcare Development Agency and officials from World Health Organisation (WHO) were seen educating the family members and neighbours on ways to prevent further spread of the disease.

The preventive measures include: access to safe water, adequate environmental sanitation, and basic hygiene.

It was reported that cholera infection is among the preventable diseases.