30 Die in Cholera Outbreak

Daily Independent (Lagos)

Njoku Paschal

12 June 2011

Yola — An outbreak of a disease suspected to be cholera has killed over 30 persons in Mubi South and Maiha councils of Adamawa State, while several others numbering to 200 are lying clinically ill in various health centres in the state.

Mostly affected by the dreaded disease that comes with cough, fever, vomiting etc are women and children among communities in the two councils.

It was gathered that 19 deaths had been recorded in Maiha council, while 16 persons had also been confirmed dead in Maiha council.

A source closer to the medical department of Mubi South Local Government Area said efforts were being made to ascertain that the epidemic ravaging the area was cholera.

He disclosed that sample specimen of those affected had been taken, adding that the result of the tests were being awaited.

The medical officer said the council is finding it difficult to access the areas worst hit by the cholera outbreak due to difficult terrains, pointing out that those living within the plain land would be taken to neighbouring Mubi North council for adequate medical attention.

Chairman of Mubi South council, Bitrus Habzi, was said to have travelled to Abuja for over a week when our correspondent called in at the council secretariat.

But Council Leader, Danladi Njidda, confirmed the outbreak and claimed that the matter has been reported to the relevant offices in the state.

In Maiha, effort made to meet with the council chairman proved abortive as he was said to have been away to Abuja.

A villager said that the Chairman, Ustaz Jibrilla, has not been stable on seat to attend to the plight of the villagers, and wonders why he chose to desert his office when the area is being ravaged by cholera.

It could be recalled that the two affected councils of Mubi South and Maiha have in the last one year prone to repeated cholera outbreak.

Adamawa State Commissioner of Health, Lawan Hamidu , when contacted Wednesday could not confirm or deny the outbreak of the disease as he said he was attending a meeting with some World Bank officials.

AllAfrica – All the Time