Cholera outbreak kills seven in Gombe, six hospitalised

Seven people, which include a two-year-old child have been confirmed dead, owing to recent cholera surge in Gombe State.

Recall that cholera was first declared in Yalmatu Deba LGA, and the state was confirmed free in March 2021 by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) after patients’ treatment and recovery with no death recorded.

Briefing reporters on the reappearance of the outbreak in Gombe, Commissioner for Health, Habu Dahiru faulted the condition on the rainy season, stating that the state recorded 32 cases with six still on admission.

As indicated by Dahiru, “With the threshold of confirmed cases reached, I hereby declare an outbreak of cholera in Garko Ward of Akko LGA. So far, 32 cases have been treated and discharged, six are currently on admission.

“The public health emergency operations centre of the state ministry of health received a surveillance report of suspected cases of cholera and the death of a two-year-old child in Kalajanga Village, Akko LGA.

“A rapid response team was deployed immediately, cases were confirmed in the laboratory and a free treatment centre for cases was established at Bogo Model Primary Health Centre.

“The onset of the rainy season at times heralds the period for cholera outbreaks attributable to drinking contaminated water.

“Cholera is characterized by severe diarrhoea and vomiting and can be rapidly fatal if prompt and urgent actions are not taken towards the management of cases and effective infection prevention control. It is easily spread in the community if control measures are sub-optimal.”

While evaluating the measures set up to avert a likely reoccurrence, Dahiru disclosed that the ministry of health has started a multi-sectoral approach Incident Management System.

He further said, “You may recall that a similar mechanism was used for the success recorded by the state in controlling a similar outbreak in Liji community in March this year.

“I will like to remind the general public that cholera can be prevented by the use of clean water, consumption of hygienically prepared meals, particularly uncooked food. Personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are also proven preventive measures.”