At least seven people have died following a cholera outbreak in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria.
In a statement shared on its official X.com page on Tuesday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also reported that 71 individuals have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak.
This incident comes as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) revealed that the country has recorded 1,528 suspected cholera cases and 53 deaths across 31 states and 107 Local Government Areas.
According to NEMA, the outbreak was triggered by a recent flood that contaminated the community’s drinking water sources. The statement further mentioned that around 100 people are currently under observation.
It read, “The National Emergency Management Agency has responded to a suspected cholera outbreak in Yola North LGA of Adamawa State, affecting the communities of Alkalawa, Doubeli, Rumde, and Gwadabawa.
“As of September 16, 2024, 71 patients have been hospitalised, with over 100 individuals under observation, and seven confirmed fatalities. “The outbreak is linked to a recent flood that polluted the primary drinking water sources. Due to overcrowding at the isolation centre, some patients have been transferred to the Federal Medical Centre.”
NEMA also revealed that it has partnered with the state government to implement emergency measures to contain the outbreak. “NEMA, in collaboration with the Adamawa State government, has introduced emergency actions, including chlorination of toilets and water treatment, to curb the spread of the infection.
“They have also launched community education programs to raise awareness about the disease. NEMA continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with stakeholders for a prompt response,” the statement concluded.
