No fewer than 10 people have died and 236 others infected with cholera as the epidemic spreads in Gombe State.
The executive secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Abdulrahman Shuaibu disclosed this yesterday when he addressed journalists on the outbreak of the disease in the state on behalf of the commissioner for health, Dr Habu Dahiru.
He said as at 20th September this year, the number of the cases increased to 236 noting that last year, the state recorded a total of 2, 373 cases of the disease in three outbreaks within that year.
“This year, from 30th June, 2022, we had sporadic cases of cholera in Balanga local government area and because of the preparedness and prompt response, it has been largely subdued without escalation.
“We are witnessing an increased downpour of rainfall and resulting flooding in many parts of the state and this resulted into cases of cholera outbreaks in 8 wards across Balanga, Yamaltu-Deba, Nafada, Funakaye and Gombe local government areas.
“The Ministry of Health has promptly initiated public health actions for prevention and control of cholera. As at yesterday, 20th September, 2022, there is an increase number of cases in Gombe State, 236 cases have been line listed so far, “ he said.
The executive secretary said the Ministry of Health had activated an incident management system for control of cholera at the Primary Health Emergency Centre in the state and established 13 cholera treatment units across the five affected local governments for management of cases free of charge.
He added that house to house sensitization and distribution of water treatment tablets in all affected communities would be conducted.