15th January, 2019
The Yobe Government on Tuesday declared the end of cholera outbreak in the state since the report of its outbreak in September 2018.
Dr Bello Kawuwa, Commissioner for Health, disclosed this at a news conference in Damaturu.
“According to epidemiological protocol and standard, when the number of suspected cases in the epidemic area significantly declines and all samples from suspected cases tested were negative by rapid diagnostic test or culture for a minimum period of two weeks, the outbreak is considered controlled.
“As we gather here today, l want to inform you that we have not recorded any suspected cholera case in the state since 4th December, 2018 to date hence, we hereby officially declare the end of cholera outbreak in Yobe.”
The commissioner, who was represented by Dr. Lawan Gana, Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Management Board, said the outbreak was reported in five local government areas in September 2018.
“The Yobe Government in September declared the outbreak in Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani, Fune and Potiskum local government areas with 906 cases, barely after three months of declaration to the end of an initial one in Bade local council involving 400 cases.
hE SAID 1813 cases were recorded in the state with 61 associated deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 3.36 per cent.
Cases recorded included Gulani having 591, Damaturu 489, and Gujba 485.
The state government commended support rendered by development partners, humanitarian agencies, traditional rulers and the media in combating the scourge and raising awareness among the people.