The Rivers State Government has confirmed the death of nine people following a suspected cholera outbreak in Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
Ada Oreh, the state commissioner for health, announced the development on Thursday in Port Harcourt, revealing that three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six were recorded in Akuku-Toru. Additionally, 41 suspected cases are under observation across the two affected areas.
“We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak,” Ms. Oreh stated.
Investigations Underway
Health officials are conducting tests to confirm whether the deaths were caused by cholera. The commissioner noted that symptoms observed align with surveillance case definitions for the disease. She also disclosed that acute watery diarrhoea, potentially caused by cholera, is being investigated in the Isiodun community in Andoni.
Ms. Oreh explained that cholera bacteria thrive in areas lacking access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene, with transmission occurring through contaminated water, food, or surfaces.
Emergency Response Measures
Given Rivers State’s vulnerability to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry season, Ms. Oreh described the situation as a significant public health challenge. The state government, in collaboration with local authorities and partners, has activated an emergency response.
“Our rapid response team has been deployed to the affected areas to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and supply essential resources to communities,” she said.
The team has distributed oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and essential medicines to health centers in the affected regions.
Public Health Advice
Ms. Oreh urged residents to practice frequent hand washing with soap and clean water, particularly before meals and after using the toilet. She also advised the public to drink only boiled or chlorine-treated water to prevent further infections.
Efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak and provide treatment to affected individuals, with the state government working to mitigate the risk of further casualties.