9 Die, 30 Hospitalised In Ebonyi Cholera Outbreak

Nine persons have been confirmed dead and over 30 others receiving treatment at different hospitals in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi State following a cholera outbreak in Akpoha community in the council.

The outbreak which has caused panic and tension in the area was said to have ravaged the community prompting the council chairman, Hon Uchenna Ibiam and a team of the state Ministry of Health and that of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to take an on-the -spot-assessment tour of the community.

Addressing the village heads, men, women and youths of Akpoha community, the council boss expressed concern over the unexpected deaths of some people including children following the outbreak of the disease and implored the people of the area not to panic as the situation is under control.

He commended the state government for responding promptly especially in sending Rapid Response Team to assist health workers at Akpoha in containing the situation and further urged the affected communities to adhere strictly to medical advice to stem the outbreak.

Hon Uche Ibiam who took time to visit the victims at the various health facilities at Akpoha promised that his administration will provide access to potable water to forestall future occurrence.

Ibiam said that his visit was to serve as a psychological therapy to the people of the area aimed at rekindling their hope in the administration’s readiness to salvage their children.

The people of the area thanked Ibiam for his prompt on the spot assessment of the situation and for giving them reason not to despair.

It would be recalled that cholera outbreak claimed the lives of over five persons in Ezillo community in Ishielu local government area of the state about three weeks ago.

A health specialist in the Ministry of Health, Ebonyi State who spoke on grounds of anonymity attributed the incessant outbreaks in the state to open defecation and lack of potable water in most rural communities of the state.

The expert urged the state government to find a lasting solution to the perennial water scarcity in the state and embark on the construction of toilet facilities in the rural communities adding that the lives of innocent Ebonyi people are at risk because of government’s failure to provide basic amenities.

He expressed concern over the abandonment of the Ezillo and Oferekpe water scheme by the present administration pointing out that the outbreak would be severe especially as the dry season last.