The Rivers State Government has said that nine people have died in a fresh cholera outbreak in the state.
The government said the cases were recorded in two local government areas of the state, Andoni and Akuku-Toru LGAs.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh confirmed the development in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, during a media briefing.
Oreh noted that while three people died in Andoni LGA, Akuku-Toru recorded six deaths. The health commissioner stated the deaths followed a total of 41 suspected cases in the two LGAs.
She said that the state government through the Ministry of Health has put appropriate measures in place to the spread of the disease.
Oreh said: “With the deepest sense of sympathy to victims of a suspected outbreak of acute watery Diarrhoea caused by suspected Cholera outbreak because we at the Ministry of Health are yet to 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’. It thrives in areas with poor water, sanitation and hygiene wash infrastructure.
“It is transmitted by drinking water that is contaminated or ingesting contaminated food as well as contact with surfaces that have been contaminated from infected persons.”
Oreh alarmed that the State is known for recurrent outbreaks of acute watery Diarrhoea and Cholera during dry seasons, adding that it poses significant public health challenges due to the ‘high mobility and mortality rate’.
“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 recorded 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 necessitates the quick response from our directorate of public health and Disease Control.
She further explained that the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with some partners and the Andoni LGA authority have activated emergency response measures, including strengthened surveillance.
She added: “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 chlorine 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. “
