Cholera Outbreak Claims 25 Lives in Sokoto, 15 Still Hospitalized

Sokoto state has been rocked by a deadly cholera outbreak, with at least 25 confirmed fatalities, as the disease continues to affect local communities. The state’s Commissioner of Health, Asabe Balarabe, revealed on Monday that the outbreak has impacted 1,160 individuals across three local government areas, with 15 active cases currently being treated.

The affected areas include Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware, where cholera victims are receiving medical care in local health facilities. According to the commissioner, laboratory tests confirmed the 15 active cases, all of whom are receiving treatment for the waterborne disease. Despite the ongoing health crisis, the state’s response teams have been working tirelessly to contain the spread of cholera.

As part of its efforts, the state government has initiated the free distribution of essential medications to 18 local government areas, hoping to curb further infections. The outbreak has led to widespread concern, especially in communities such as Bazza and Gidadawa in Sokoto Metropolis, where several victims have either succumbed to the disease or are still undergoing treatment.

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Addressing the media, Balarabe acknowledged the challenges faced by the state’s health sector, including insufficient infrastructure and resources that have hindered progress over the past eight years. She also highlighted the recent recruitment of 864 nurses and midwives to address staff shortages in public health facilities and expressed hopes that further improvements would be made under Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s leadership.