No Cholera Outbreak In Rivers – Health Commissioner

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, has declared that the state has no active record of the cholera that is currently ravaging some parts of the country.

She, however, said there were 16 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhoea across three communities in coastal areas of Andoni local government area of the state, with two associated deaths.

Oreh, who spoke yesterday while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the state capital, said the two samples tested positive for cholera by screening tool with a rapid diagnostic test, though not confirmed by culture.

The commissioner stated that the state government’s surveillance is on alert for triggers and suspected cases, adding that the state infectious disease treatment centre is ready and able to manage cases in case of any eventuality.

She said: “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). 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 hot spots, built the capacity of health personnel and commenced community health education for safe hygienic practices.”