Gombe treats 61 persons of Cholera, as commissioner declares state free
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
No fewer than 61 persons have recovered from cholera disease outbreak bringing an end to the epidemic in Kalajanga community, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
According to Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, who declared the cholera status of the state said the outbreak of cholera in Kalajanga community of Akko LGA was over with the treatment and recovery of 61 persons.
Recall that on 27th May 2021, Dahiru declared an outbreak of cholera in Akko LGA, where 7 persons including a 2 -year-old child was said to have died with 6 others hospitalised in government facilities.
The Akko outbreak is the second time the state is witnessing Cholera outbreak in 2021.
He said, “Following the recent cholera outbreak in Kalajanga, Akko LGA, 61 persons were successfully treated and discharged. Citizens of the state must ensure good food hygiene by drinking only potable water and consumption of hygienically prepared foods.
“This brings an end to cholera disease in Gombe State. This declaration of an end to the infection is in line with guidelines by the World Health Organisation and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. No new case has been reported over 10 days, thereby signifying an end to the outbreak.
“The general public are also encouraged to present themselves to health facilities if they notice symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.”
Dahiru further emphasized that surveillance team of the State Ministry of Health would continue to be on alert and heighten situational awareness to carry out measures for containment and prevention of future outbreaks.
“The Ministry of Health will continue to respond to public health emergencies in line with the prioritized health agenda of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya whose timely intervention contributed to the speedy control of the outbreak.
“Measures taken by the Ministry to mitigate the spread of the disease includes; Activation of Incident Management System at the PHEOC, setting up of a treatment and rehydration centre at Bogo Model PHC where patients are managed free of charge.
“Others are; daily provision of potable water to affected communities by tankers of Gombe State Water Cooperation free of charge and environmental decontamination,” Dahiru added.
