At least twelve people have died due to a cholera outbreak affecting four local government areas in Adamawa State.

During a media briefing in Yola, Health Commissioner Felix Tangwami confirmed that over 300 individuals have been hospitalized, with 244 already discharged. Adamawa has now joined other states grappling with cholera, a situation exacerbated by flooding and poor hygiene practices.

The state government has identified Yola North, Yola South, Girei, and Fufore as the areas impacted by what they initially termed acute watery diarrhea. To investigate the outbreak, thirty samples were collected and sent to the national reference laboratory, while affected individuals were isolated at the Infectious Disease Centre at the specialist hospital in Yola.

Following a meeting with key healthcare providers, Tangwami reported that UNICEF health officer Olusheyi Oloshide confirmed that cholera vaccines have been delivered to aid in controlling the outbreak.

The recent identification of cholera comes after earlier claims that the outbreak was merely acute watery diarrhea. The state has received cholera vaccines from its partners and is urging the public to remain calm while improving hygiene practices.

Tangwami added that surveillance officers have been dispatched to educate the community and help prevent the spread of the disease to other areas in the state.