Gombe State has declared a cholera epidemic, with 10 deaths already confirmed across the state.
Dr Habu Dahiru, the Gombe commissioner for health, announced this on Thursday in Gombe while speaking to reporters about the spread of the illness in the state.
Dahiru, who was represented by Dr Abdulrahman Shuaibu, Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, stated that as of Sept. 20, the number of patients had climbed to 236.
According to him, the state registered a total of 2, 373 cases of the disease in three outbreaks in 2021.
“This year, from June, 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 rain and flooding in many parts of the state and this has resulted in cholera outbreaks.
“These outbreaks are recorded in eight wards across Balanga, Yamaltu-Deba, Nafada, Funakaye and Gombe Local Government Areas of the state.
“The State Ministry of health has promptly initiated public health actions for prevention and control of the disease.
“As at Sept. 20, there was an increase in the number of cases in Gombe State as 236 cases have been listed so far,” he said.
The commissioner stated that the ministry of health has activated an event management system for cholera control at the state's Primary Health Emergency Centre.
He went on to say that the Ministry has set up 13 cholera treatment centres throughout the five affected local government districts to handle the cases for free.
Dahiru also indicated that wells and boreholes in impacted villages will be decontaminated.
He went on to say that all impacted villages will be sensitized and given water purification pills.
He recommended people of the state to drink clean water and to prioritize eating hygienically prepared meals.
“Personal and environmental hygiene are proven preventive measures against the disease, so let’s prioritise hygiene in that regard,” said Dahiru.
