Adamawa – Sixty-one persons have confirmed dead from cholera and measles outbreaks in Adamawa and Benue states.
Fifty -five of the people died of cholera in Adamawa State while six died of measles in Benue State.
The Adamawa State Ministry of Health said that the 55 persons that died were among 1,959 cholera cases recorded in the state.
The state Commissioner for health , Prof Isa Abdullahi who confirmed this in Yola also told newsmen that 12 cases of Lassa fever were recorded.
According to him, 812 cases of measles are currently being handled in 10 local government areas of the state with the support of some development partners.
He listed Gombi, Mubi-North, Toungo, Mubi-South, Fufore, Hong, as hotspots for measles cases.
The government had in July, 2021 confirmed cholera outbreak , following a suspected cases from Gurgura community in Girei, and subsequent adoption of risk communication messages to prevent its spread.
He said Cholera Treatment Centres (CTC) were set up in specialist hospitals, cottage hospitals, some PHCs and cholera treatment units in hotspots councils.
“Since we have not recorded any case despite heightened surveillance for cholera for several weeks, we (government and partners) are happy to declare the cholera outbreak over.
“In a similar manner, the state is faced with outbreaks of Lassa fever and measles and therefore urges citizens to support the state in prompt report of any strange or familiar illness, ” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that 37 inmates contacted monkey pox in the Yola-North correctional centre in the state.
In Benue State, 97 people were also hospitalised from measles outbreak in 10 local government areas of the state.
The state director of public health, Dr Terna Kur who disclosed this explained that 97 of the 377 sample cases taken to the laboratory tested positive for measles and are receiving treatment from various hospitals across the state.
According to him, the state government with support from partners have commenced reactive vaccination (response vaccination) starting with the two most affected LGs of Guma and Kastina-Ala.
He warned parents against late presentation of their children to the hospital when they come down with the symptoms of the disease for early diagnosis and treatment.
Kur added that when complication sets in due to late presentation, it becomes very difficult to manage. (Leadership) vitalnews)
