The Rivers State Government has confirmed the death of nine individuals due to a suspected cholera outbreak in Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
Dr Adaeze Oreh, the commissioner for health, announced this development on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
She reported that three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six were recorded in Akuku-Toru, with 41 suspected cases currently under surveillance in both areas.
“We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak,” Oreh stated.
The commissioner noted that health officials are conducting tests to confirm whether cholera is the cause of these deaths.
She added that the symptoms observed align with the surveillance case definition for the disease.
Oreh also mentioned that the ministry is investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea in the Isiodun community of Andoni LGA, with symptoms consistent with cholera.
According to Oreh, the bacteria responsible for cholera thrive in environments lacking access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygienic conditions.
She explained that the bacteria could be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food and contact with infected surfaces.
“Rivers State is particularly prone to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry seasons,” she said.
Oreh highlighted that this poses significant public health challenges due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with such outbreaks.
She stated that the ministry, in collaboration with its partners and the authorities in Andoni LGA, has activated emergency response measures.
“Our rapid response team has also been deployed to the affected areas to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and supply essential supplies to the communities,” Oreh added.
The response team has distributed oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and vital medicines to health centres in the affected areas.
Oreh advised residents to practice frequent hand washing with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.
She also urged them to drink only boiled or chlorine-treated water to ensure safety.
NAN