TheCable

The Adamawa government says it has recorded a total of 500 cholera cases with 23 deaths, since the outbreak of the disease in the state.

Celine Laori, the director of public health in the state ministry of health, disclosed this to NAN on Tuesday.

Laori said that the local government areas worst-hit by cholera included Yola North, Girei and Lamurde.

“Since the outbreak of the disease in the state in September till date, we have recorded about 500 suspected cases and 23 deaths,” she said.

“Majority of those affected were treated and discharged.”

She called on the people of the state to maintain basic hygiene and sanitation, as well as ensure that food and water to be taken are safe.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), at least 81,413 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded 28 states and the federal capital territory (FCT).

A total of 2,791 deaths have also been recorded since January 2021.

The agency said children aged between five and 14 have been the most affected.

NCDC also said the outbreak has been worsened by lack of access to clean water, open defecation and poor hygiene.

Following the rapid rise in the infection rate, the NCDC activated the national cholera emergency operations centre (EOC) in June.

National rapid response teams (RRTs) with essential materials have been deployed to nine states – Zamfara, Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Jigawa, Niger — and the FCT.

Surveillance, case management, and sensitisation are also ongoing in affected states.