CHOLERA OUTBREAK KILLS NINE IN RIVERS
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Nine people have been confirmed dead by the Rivers State Government as a result of a possible cholera epidemic in two local government districts.
This was revealed by Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the State Commissioner for Health, at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Oreh named the impacted LGAs as Akuku-Toru, which reported six fatalities, and Andoni, where three were reported.
The government has taken action to curb the epidemic, she said, adding that the state has reported 41 suspected cases in the two LGAs.
The commissioner clarified that the symptoms fit the surveillance case definition of cholera even if the Ministry of Health has not confirmed all of the deaths caused by the illness.
“With the deepest sympathy to the victims, we are investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in Isiodun community of Andoni LGA. The symptoms reported are consistent with cholera,” she said.
According to Oreh, cholera, which is brought on by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, is most prevalent in places with inadequate infrastructure for water, sanitation, and hygiene. Contact with infected surfaces and ingestion of tainted food or drink are the two ways the disease is spread.
She emphasised that during the dry season, Rivers State is vulnerable to frequent outbreaks of cholera and acute watery diarrhoea, which present serious public health issues because of their high rates of morbidity and mortality.
“As of January 13, 2025, we recorded 41 suspected cases in Andoni and Akuku-Toru LGAs, with nine associated deaths. Three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six were reported in Akuku-Toru,” she said.
The Commissioner stated that the outbreak was brought to the ministry’s attention after three deaths were reported within 48 hours in Isiodun community on January 11.
The State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners and the Andoni LGA authorities, has activated emergency response measures to tackle the outbreak.
Oreh revealed that a state rapid response team, led by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, has been deployed to the affected areas.
The team has enhanced surveillance, strengthened case detection in health facilities, and provided essential supplies to the communities. This includes the distribution of oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and essential medicines to health centres.
The Commissioner urged residents to adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
“The public is strongly advised to practise proper food hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Drinking water should be boiled or treated with chlorine, and water from unverified sources should be avoided,” she advised.
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