Two people have died from the outbreak of cholera in Rivers State, News About Nigeria reports.
The State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, disclosed this in a press statement signed in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
She noted that 16 people survived the recent cholera outbreak in parts of Rivers State.
Oreh, however, maintained that at the time of the release of the statement, there were no cases of cholera in the state.
She explained that the incident in the state was recorded in three communities within the Andoni Local Government Area, stating that the two people died with symptoms suspicious of cholera.
The health commissioner stated that all the cases were recorded within the past four weeks while the ailment was ravaging other states of the nation, adding that two people tested positive for the ravaging ailment.
“Cholera remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, and indeed, Rivers State, have not been spared from sporadic cases of especially short-lived rural outbreaks.
“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 a screening tool with a rapid diagnostic test (not confirmed by culture).
“So far, 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.
“State surveillance is at an all-time high for triggers and suspected cases. The infectious disease treatment centre at Rivers State University, which is marked for an upgrade to an infectious disease institute, is ready and able to manage cases in the case of any eventuality,” she stated.
She further assured the people that the state government is committed to adequately supporting, responding to, and containing these priority diseases.
She also urged residents of the state to maintain good hygiene.
