Gombe treats 74 cholera patients, declares outbreak

The Gombe State Government has declared a cholera outbreak in Kedo village, Todi Ward, Billiri Local Government Area, following the deaths of two people on October 4, 2026. Health Commissioner Prof. Adamu-Danladi Bojude informed the media that 74 patients had been treated and discharged, with no individuals currently in hospital.

Bojude revealed that the government swiftly deployed a Rapid Response Team to collaborate with local health authorities in investigating the outbreak and delivering free treatment at the Primary Health Centre in Sheila. Since October 4, the state has reported zero new cases for seven consecutive days, potentially leading to the declaration of the outbreak's end by October 24.

Gombe has intensified its prevention measures since 2023 through an annual plan involving the Ministry of Health, RUWASSA, and other partners, targeting over 150 cholera hotspots across the state's 11 local government areas. Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated food or water and can become fatal within hours without prompt treatment.

The government has activated an Incident Management System at the PHEOC to manage the outbreak, urging residents to maintain food hygiene, personal cleanliness, and report suspected cases promptly.