The cases have been recorded in Gubja, Fune, Machina, Nangere, and Nguru Local Government Areas. Dr. Gana stated that 112 patients have been treated and discharged, but nine patients, accounting for 6.8% of the total cases, sadly lost their lives due to delays in accessing medical services.
The outbreak was confirmed after samples from patients with Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) were tested at the National Disease Control Centre (NDCC) and the University of Maiduguri, revealing that some of the cases were caused by Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera.
The Commissioner highlighted that heavy rainfall and flooding have damaged many road networks, disrupting potable water supply and contaminating water sources, which has led to the surge in AWD cases. He noted the challenges in delivering medical services to affected locations due to these conditions.
Dr. Gana called on all stakeholders to support the state’s efforts to combat the cholera outbreak. He urged health sector partners, religious and traditional leaders, and citizens to join hands with the state government and its agencies in curbing the spread of the disease. Additionally, he appealed to international, national, and local partners to bring their full expertise to support the state’s cholera response efforts.
