A suspected case of cholera outbreak has been reported in two local government areas of Rivers State, Andoni and Akuku-Toru, resulting in nine deaths.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh gave the confirmation during a news briefing at her office in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
According to Dr. Oreh, 41 suspected cases have been recorded, with three deaths in Andoni and six in Akuku-Toru.
The outbreak was first detected on January 11, 2025, when three deaths were reported within 48 hours in Isiodun community, Andoni Local Government Area.
She noted that the state’s rapid response team quickly swung into action, investigating the outbreak and taking measures to contain it.
Dr. Oreh noted that while the deaths are suspected to be caused by cholera, the ministry of health is yet to confirm this.
However, she said the symptoms reported are consistent with the surveillance case definition of cholera.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which thrives in areas with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure. It is transmitted through contaminated water, food, or contact with infected persons.
The commissioner warned that Rivers State is prone to recurrent outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea and cholera during dry seasons, posing significant public health challenges due to high mobility and mortality rates.
To combat the outbreak, she further stated that the state government has put in place measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
These measures include improving water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, as well as public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the risks of cholera and how to prevent it.
She said: “With the deepest sense of sympathy to victims of a suspected outbreak of acute watery Diarrhoea caused by suspceted Cholera outbreak, because we at the Ministry of Health are yet to actually confirm that those deaths were from Cholera in Isiodun community of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“However the symptoms of the cases reported are in keeping with the surveillance case definition of Cholera.
“Cholera as we all know is an acute Diarrhoea disease that is caused by the bacteria ‘Vibrio cholerae’. I t thrives in areas with poor water, sanitation and hygiene wash infrastructure.
“It is transmitted by drinking water that is contaminated or injesting contaminated food as well as contact with surfaces that have been contaminated from infected persons.”
While noting that the State is known for recurrent outbreaks of acute watery Diarrhoea and Cholera during dry seasons, the Commissioner said these pose significant public health challenges due to the ‘high mobility and mortality rate’.
She said, “As at the 13th of January, 2025 we have recorded a total of 41 suspected cases from two local government areas in the state. And those local governments are Andoni and Akuku-Toru.
“We have also ecorded nine associated deaths out of which three are from Andoni. Six were confirmed from Akuku-Toru LGA.
“It was majorly these deaths that were reported and brought to our attention that necesitates the quick response from our directorate of public health and Dsease Control.
“On the 11th of January, 2025 the attention of the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre, the Rivers State Ministry of Health was drawn to a signal on three deaths within 48-hours in Isiodun community of Andoni LGA.
“The State rapid response team led by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control investigated and commenced actions to contain that outbreak.”
While noting that certain communities in the sSate are ‘highly prone’ to Cholera, the Commissioner advised members of the public to always observe preventive measures to stay safe.
“The public is strongly advised to practice food hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water especially before eating and after using the toilet.
“Ensure safety of drinking water., boil water or treat water with clorine before it is used. Avoid consuming water from unverified sources and eating unsafe food.
“Food should be cooked thoroughly and eaten while still hot, ” Dr Oreh said among others.