Flood: Cholera kills seven, 71 hospitalised in Adamawa

At least seven people have lost their lives to a cholera outbreak in the Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while 71 others have been hospitalised.

This was disclosed by the National Emergency Management Agency in a statement shared on its X.com page on Tuesday.

According to NEMA, the cholera outbreak was caused by a recent flood that contaminated the communities’ drinking water sources.

The statement added that around 100 people were also under monitoring and 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 under observation, and seven confirmed deaths.

“The outbreak is attributed to a recent flood disaster that contaminated the primary drinking water source. Due to the overflow at the isolation centre, some patients are being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre.”

NEMA further disclosed that it had collaborated with the state government to implement emergency measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the disease.

“NEMA, along with the Adamawa State government, has initiated emergency measures, including chlorinating toilets and providing water treatment to reduce the spread of infection.

“They have also conducted community education to raise awareness about the disease. NEMA is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with stakeholders for timely intervention,” the statement concluded.

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, during a press briefing on the update on the cholera situation in the country, noted that the Federal Government had activated the National Emergency Operation Centre for cholera.