The Gombe State Ministry of Health has declared a cholera outbreak in Todi Ward, Billiri Local Government Area, following reports of cases in Kedo village.
The state government has activated emergency response measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Adamu Danladi Bojude, disclosed this in a press statement.
Professor Bojude explained that “in 2023, the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and other partners, introduced the State Annual Cholera Prevention Plan, targeting more than 150 identified cholera hotspots across the state’s 11 LGAs.”
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He said the initiative had been largely successful in reducing the occurrence of cholera outbreaks across the state, although cases could still emerge in settlements not classified as hotspots.
The latest outbreak followed reports of diarrhoea and vomiting in Kedo village, where two people reportedly died on 4 October. In response, the state government immediately deployed a Rapid Response Team to support the local government team in investigating the outbreak and providing treatment to affected residents.
According to the Commissioner, a total of 74 people with symptoms were treated free of charge and discharged at the Primary Health Care (PHC) facility in Sheila. No patient is currently admitted.
Danladi said that “as of 21 October, the state had recorded seven consecutive days without a reported case. If no new case is reported by 24 October, the outbreak could be declared over, marking 10 days without a new case.”
To strengthen surveillance and ensure an effective response, the Commissioner said “the state had activated an Incident Management System at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).”
The system will coordinate surveillance, case management and other response activities aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further spread.
Professor Bojude said the government’s decision to inform the public was consistent with global best practices and the public health emergency management approach of the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya.
He called on residents to co-operate with health authorities and observe appropriate hygiene practices to minimise the risk of infection.
The Commissioner advised members of the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene and to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if they develop symptoms suggestive of cholera.
He emphasised that treatment for suspected cases would be provided free of charge at designated health facilities.
Professor Bojude assured residents that the state government was taking all necessary measures to protect the population from cholera and other public health emergencies.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, promptly report suspected cases and support the ongoing response efforts to safeguard public health across the state.
