12 die of cholera in Adamawa

Twelve persons have died and 134 others hospitalised after an outbreak of cholera in Mubi North and South local governments of Adamawa State.

Neighbouring Maiha, Michika and Hong councils have been put on the alert to avert a spread of the disease.

Incidence Manager for Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Bwalki Barem Dilli, said medical personnel from the ministry, in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO), have been drafted to the area to contain the epidemic.

Dilli added that report of the outbreak became apparent last week when the Mubi General Hospital recorded high profile cases of vomiting and diarrhoea from patients.

He explained that the ministry, in conjunction with its partners, have taken 11 stool samples to Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, for investigation.

According to him, an emergency operation centre was opened to collect data on people suspected to be affected with the epidemic, stressing that toll free lines (08031230359 MTN and 07080601139 AIRTEL) have been opened for reports and complaints.

He said: “People should wash their hands after answering the call of nature and stop open defection