LAGOS, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- There has been outbreak of gastroenteritis in northern Nigeria's Yobe State and around 42 lives have been lost out of 443 cases recorded in one month.
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the state Isa Adamu disclosed this to reporters Damaturu, the state capital on Wednesday.
Gastroenteritis is caused by an infection, which is usually viral.
The official said the disease is registered in the 17 local government areas with the highest casualties of 10 deaths in Gujba, eight in Gulani and five in Potiskum local government areas.
He said those who were admitted in the hospitals have been treated and discharged.
Adamu said the state government has embarked on massive sensitization campaign on safe drinking water, waste management and administration of Oral Rehydration Therapy to curb gastroenteritis in the state.
He said gastroenteritis has claimed many lives in the state in the recent past but the situation has been put under control.
According to him, health workers have been deployed across the state to sensitize the public on safe water, waste disposal and administration of the therapy.
