Cholera Threat Emerges in Adamawa Community: Here’s What You Need to Know

On September 17, Zubaida Umar, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), reported via a post on X that the emergence of a disease is likely linked to contaminated water following recent floods.

A suspected cholera outbreak has occurred in various communities within Yola North, Adamawa State, manifesting symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Zubaida Umar shared in a post that NEMA’s Yola Operations Office is actively monitoring and responding to this health crisis in the Yola North Local Government Area, where many have shown signs of illness.

Umar elaborated that initial evaluations suggest the outbreak may stem from the floodwaters contaminating local household water supplies. The specific communities affected include Alkalawa, Doubeli, Rumde, and Gwadabawa.

While awaiting further guidance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and health officials, an isolation center providing emergency care has been established. Currently, over 100 individuals are being observed, with 7 fatalities reported.

In conjunction with the state government, a public awareness campaign is underway in the impacted areas, alongside the distribution of water purification chemicals for residents’ use.

Authorities encourage the community to stay alert and report any suspected cases to local health facilities, promising continued oversight of the situation and cooperation with health stakeholders for efficient intervention.