The Akwa Ibom State Government has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in the fishing community of Emeroke, located in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
The cases, characterized by symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, have prompted swift intervention by state health authorities.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Uyo, Dr. Patrick Essiet, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, revealed that the state epidemiologist has been dispatched to the affected community to carry out awareness campaigns on mitigating the spread of the disease.
Health officials have also visited a secondary health facility to ascertain the exact number of cases reported.
As part of immediate measures to contain the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory urging the community to practice proper hygiene.
“The Ministry of Health hereby advises members of the community and the environs that as an immediate intervention, proper hand washing should be done, especially after defecation, that drinking water should be boiled before consumption, and all persons with symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting should seek immediate treatment at the nearest health facility,” the statement read.
The Ministry reminded community leaders to enforce the government’s existing ban on open defecation, a practice that significantly contributes to the spread of cholera.
Dr. Essiet assured residents that the State Government is mobilizing essential supplies to the community as a short-term response. Meanwhile, plans are underway to implement long-term solutions to prevent future outbreaks.
The Ministry urged the public to report all suspected cholera cases to the director of public health, Ministry of Health, to ensure timely intervention and treatment.