9 Die From Suspected Cholera Outbreak In Rivers

No fewer than nine persons have reportedly died following suspected outbreak of cholera in Andoni and Akuku-Toru local government areas of Rivers State.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt OBN Thursday, said while six of the deaths occurred in Andoni LGA, three other persons lost their lives in Akuku-Toru LGA.

Oreh stated that 41 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded in the two local government areas with five confirmed in Akuku-Toru LGA.

She said, “With deepest sense of sympathy to victims of suspected outbreak of watery diarrhea and suspected cholera outbreak because, we at the Ministry of Health, are yet to actually confirm that those deaths were from cholera in Isiodum community in Andoni local government area of Rivers State.

“However, the symptoms of the cases reported are in keeping with the definition case of cholera. Cholera as we all know, is an acute diarrhea disease. It thrives in areas with poor water sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.

“Rivers State is known for recurrent cases of acute watery diarrhea and cholera during dry seasons. These diseases pose significant health challenges due to the high mobility and mortality.”

She added that as at January 13 this year, the state recorded a total of 41 suspected cases in Andoni and Akuku-Toru local government areas of the state.

“Five were confirmed from Akuku-Toru and none yet from Andoni because of our inability to collect the samples from the reported cases by the time our team was notified.

“We have also recorded nine associated deaths, out of which three are from Andoni. Majorly, these deaths were reported and brought to our attention,” the commissioner said.