Cholera Outbreak Claims Seven in Taraba

BY AMEH IDUJAGI, JALINGO – No fewer than seven deaths have so far been recorded following outbreak of what is suspected to be cholera in Tella town in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The State commissioner for Health, Dr. Innocent Vakkai, who confirmed the development to our correspondent in Jalingo on Monday, said that several others have been hospitalized in Health Care Centers following severe stooling and vomiting.

Vakkai said a team of medical experts from the state Ministry of Health have been dispatched to the area to investigate the identified cases and report back.

Similarly, the Chairman of Gassol Local Government Council, Alhaji Musa Chul told our correspondent in a telephone interview that at least 25 persons are on admission at the Tella Maternity Clinic as a result of symptoms that look like cholera.

Chul said he received a report from Tella on Saturday evening that three persons have died from vomiting and stoolling, adding that on Sunday morning he detailed the Local Government Heath team to the village to investigate the incident.

He further said that before the arrival of the Local Government medical team, four others were also said to have lost their lives on Sunday due to severe vomiting and strolling.

According to Chul; “The worst hit area of the outbreak is Unguwan Kabawa, a suburb of the Tella where the suspected cases started on Saturday evening.

“The case has since been reported to the State ministry of Health for further necessary action,” he said.

The Chairman advised residents to imbibe simple hygiene and maintain clean environment in order to avoid preventable diseases.