The Yobe state government in collaboration with World Health
Organisation (WHO) and other partners have officially declared end of
cholera outbreak in the state.
State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Muhammad Bello Kawuwa disclosed this
while addressing press newsmen on the progresses made.
Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Lawan
Gana who represented the Commissioner said, the first case of cholera
was reported in July, 2018 from communities.
Kawuwa, said that “Yobe state has declared cholera free when suspected
cases in the epidemic areas significantly declines and all samples
from suspected cholera cases were tested negative by the Rapid
Diagnostic Test or culture for a minimum period of two weeks”.
“The situation is more critical in Gujba, Damaturu and Gulani LGAs
where insecurity, massive flood following heavy rainfall, and
difficult geographical terrain aided transmission of infections
especially during rainy season,” he said
The Commissioner said as it stands today, a total of 1,813 cases have
been recorded in Yobe state with 61 associated deaths, while giving a
case fatality rate of 3.36 percent.
“591 of these cases were reported in Gulani, 458 cases in Gujba, 489
cases in Damaturu, 181 cases in Fune and 67 cases in Potiskum local
government areas of Yobe states”, he said.
He said that most of the deaths recorded were in Gulani, Gujba and
Fune local government areas due to delays in timely reporting to
health facilities for the patients to receive timely quality care.
He said the cholera scourge was curbed by the strong commitment and
determination of the state ministry of health and state primary
management board in conjunction with other ministries and partners.
