Rivers on Alert: Suspected Cholera Outbreak Leaves Many Dead

The Rivers State Government has revealed that nine persons have died as a result of a probable cholera outbreak in the state's Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.

Ada Oreh, the state commissioner for health, verified the news on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

She stated that three deaths happened in Andoni, while six more were recorded in Akuku-Toru, with 41 suspected cases presently being monitored in both areas.

"We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak," she said.
The commissioner stated that health experts were performing testing to determine definitively whether the deaths were caused by cholera.

She stated, "The symptoms reported are consistent with the surveillance case criteria for the condition.

"The ministry is also looking into a possible outbreak of severe watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in the Isiodun community in Andoni Local Government Area.

"The symptoms analysed are consistent with cholera."

According to her, the bacteria that cause cholera thrive in situations that lack access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene.

She stated that the germs might be transmitted by contaminated water or food, as well as contact with diseased surfaces.

"During the dry season, rivers are especially vulnerable to epidemics of acute watery diarrhea and cholera.

"This presents important public health challenges because of the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with such epidemics.

"The ministry, in concert with its partners and Andoni Local Government Area officials, has triggered emergency response procedures.
"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," says Ms. Oreh.

Ms Oreh stated that the response team has delivered oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and critical medications to health centers in the impacted districts.

She recommended folks to frequently wash their hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.

Ms Oreh also advised them to drink only boiled or chorine-treated water for safety.