Apprehension As Cholera Kills Two In Rivers

The recent cholera outbreak in certain areas of Rivers State has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with 16 others reported to have survived.

A statement by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, in Port Harcourt clarified that, as of the time of the address, there were no cases of cholera in the state.

According to the commissioner, the incident in the state was recorded in three communities within the Andoni Local Government Area, stressing that the two persons died with symptoms suspected to be cholera.

She said that all the cases were recorded within the past four weeks while the ailment was ravaging other states of the nation, adding that two people tested positive for the ravaging ailment.

“Cholera remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, and indeed, Rivers State, have not been spared from sporadic cases of especially short-lived rural outbreaks.

“Regarding the past four weeks in the state, we have had about 16 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhoea across three communities in coastal areas of Andoni Local Government Area, with two associated deaths.

“The scenario was rapidly resolved, and two samples tested positive for cholera by screening tool with a rapid diagnostic test (not confirmed by culture),” she said.

The Health Commissioner noted that, at the moment, there are no known active cases of cholera in the state but urged residents of the state to maintain good hygiene.

She said: “So far, there are currently no active cases or any outbreak of cholera or acute water diarrhoea in the state. Using seasonal outbreak modelling, we have pre-positioned commodities around historical hotspots, built the capacity of health personnel, and commenced community health education for safe hygienic practices.

“State surveillance is at an all-time high for triggers and suspected cases. The infectious disease treatment centre at Rivers State University, which is marked for an upgrade to an infectious disease institute, is ready and able to manage cases in the case of any eventuality.

“Let me assure you of the state government’s commitment to adequately support, respond to, and contain these priority diseases.”