A diarrhoea epidemic has swept through Yola North and Yola South Local Government areas of Adamawa State, claiming the lives of at least 10 people, mainly women, children, and the elderly.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Felix Tangwami, the outbreak, which began on Monday, has also left 300 others hospitalized, with many in critical condition.
“The situation is rough, but we are doing everything humanly possible to contain the outbreak,” Tangwami said, adding that some patients have been treated and discharged, while fresh cases are still being recorded.
The commissioner noted that the exact cause of the outbreak is yet to be confirmed, pending test results from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja.
“We don’t have the PCR equipment for testing the collected samples here in Yola. So, we have to send it to Abuja for confirmation, which would be ready in the next 48 hours,” Tangwami explained.
The Adamawa State Government has assured residents that it is taking all necessary measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Residents have been advised to maintain good hygiene practices, including proper handwashing and sanitation, to prevent the spread of the disease.
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