Damaturu — Fourteen new cases of wild polio virus have been reported in 10 local government areas of Yobe State, Dr. Isa Adamu, the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Yobe State told newsmen in Damaturu yesterday.

He said some children have been found with the virus in Fune, Bursari, Gujba, Nguru, Gulani, Bade, Jakusko, Nangere, Yunusari and Potiskum Local Government Areas of the state.

Dr. Adamu added that there was a trans-border threat of transmission of the virus in Machina, Yunusari and Yusufari Local Government Areas which border Niger Republic. According to him, health officials in the affected border local governments have met with their counterparts in border communities of Niger Republic and conducted a synchronized vaccination. "Similarly, we also have threats from neighbouring states like Jigawa and other local governments within Yobe State who have not participated fully in four rounds of the vaccination for children," he said. Dr. Adamu applauded Yobe State government for releasing N18 million to combat the disease. "The prompt response of the state government and other stakeholders has helped a lot to address the problem", he said. He added that the WHO have provided cold boxes for immunization officers. "All the vaccines we are dispensing are very good and people are now responding to calls on the need to present their kids for immunization", he added.