The Rivers State Government has confirmed the deaths of nine individuals following a suspected cholera outbreak in Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
Dr. Ada Oreh, the State Commissioner for Health, disclosed this on Thursday in Port Harcourt, stating that three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six were recorded in Akuku-Toru. Additionally, 41 suspected cases are under surveillance in the two areas.
“We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak,” Oreh reassured.
She noted that health officials are conducting tests to confirm whether cholera is the cause of the deaths. However, the symptoms observed are consistent with the surveillance case definition for cholera.
“The ministry is also investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in the Isiodun community of Andoni LGA. The symptoms analyzed align with cholera,” she added.
Oreh explained that cholera bacteria thrive in environments with poor access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, and unhygienic conditions. Transmission can occur through contaminated water or food and contact with infected surfaces.
“Rivers State is particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry seasons. This presents significant public health challenges due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with such outbreaks,” she said.
To address the situation, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with local authorities and partner organizations, has activated emergency response measures.
“Our rapid response team has been deployed to the affected areas to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and distribute essential medical supplies,” Oreh stated.
The response team has supplied oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and critical medicines to health centers in the affected areas.
Dr. Oreh urged residents to adopt preventive measures, including:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.
- Drinking only boiled or chlorine-treated water.
“We are committed to safeguarding public health and minimizing the impact of this outbreak. Residents should adhere strictly to these preventive measures and report any suspected cases promptly to health authorities,” she concluded.
