Nine people have died following a cholera outbreak in five local government areas of Yobe State, according to a statement released on Thursday by the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Lawan Gana. The affected areas include Gujba, Fune, Machina, Nangere, and Nguru.
Dr. Gana reported that as of September 25, a total of 132 cholera cases had been recorded, with 112 patients successfully treated and discharged. “Confirmed cases have been identified in five LGAs—Gujba, Fune, Machina, Nangere, and Nguru. Unfortunately, we lost nine patients, resulting in a Case Fatality Rate (CFR),” he stated.
The commissioner attributed the fatalities to delays in seeking medical treatment and assured that the state government is working diligently to control the outbreak. “Due to our ongoing concern for public health and the need to scale up our response, with the support of our international, national, and local partners, the state government is declaring an outbreak of cholera in Yobe State,” Dr. Gana announced.
He further expressed concern over the rise in acute watery diarrhea cases, which he linked to recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the state. The government is urging health sector partners, religious and traditional leaders, and citizens to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and related agencies to contain the spread of cholera as quickly as possible.