A cholera epidemic in Izzi local government area has resulted in at least 10 fatalities, specifically in Ndibokote village, Ezza-Inyimagu of Ebonyi state.
News About Nigeria reports that Dr. Moses Ekuma, the State’s Commissioner for Health, confirmed the development, on Wednesday.
Ekuma stated that more than 20 others from the area are receiving hospital care for suspected cholera cases.
The health commissioner noted that the infected persons were rushed to three hospitals in the area by the state government in partnership with the LGA authorities and health partners.
He gave names of the medical center as: Onuenyim Agbaja’s Sudan United Mission Hospital, Izziogo’s Sudan United Mission Hospital, and Izziogo Health Centre.
The Commissioner stated that the outbreaks are caused by poor hygiene practices, while stressing the need for better habits, including ending open defecation, regular hand washing, covering food, and consuming clean water to prevent disease spread.
Dr. Ekuma advised resident to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital if they experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
He added that the Ministry responded to the outbreak by deploying a team of medical experts in partnership with the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
“We have enough drugs to treat infected persons. We also plan to open another health centre in the affected community for easy access so as to curtail the outbreak and we have made available cars and motorcycles for easy evacuation of suspected infected persons to the hospitals,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the chairman of Izzi local government area council, Barr. Stephen Nwankpa, thanked the state government for the swift response, which he noted saved the lives of many infected persons.
