Three persons have died and over 16 others hospitalised following outbreak of Cholera in Amaogwugwu Ohuhu in Umuahia North local government area of Abia State.
The president-general of the community, Mr Kelechi Uwaoma confirmed this yesterday in Umuahia, the state capital, adding that the patients were in dire need of medical attention.
“The patients are receiving treatment at both the community’s health centre and other hospitals in Umuahia and were said to be recovering according to their relatives,” he added.
Another leader in the community, Chief Uche Aguoru told LEADERSHIP that it is believed that the epidemic emanated from Ikwu River which, “unfortunately is our major source of drinking water”.
He appealed to the government to revive the abandoned Greater Okpara Water Scheme which provided the community and its neighbours with potable water in the early 70s and 80s.
Aguoru called on good spirited individuals, organisations and the government to come to their aid by arresting the situation and checkmating further spread of the epidemic.
When contacted, the commissioner for health, Dr Jeo Osuji, said the ministry was monitoring the situation and has deployed officials and supplies to treat the infected.
