From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State government has confirmed the death of nine persons suspected to have died of cholera in two local government areas of the state.
State Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, gave the confirmation when she briefed journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Oreh named the affected local government areas as Andoni, with three deaths, and Akuku-Toru, where six deaths were recorded.
The Health Commissioner further said the deaths were from a total of 41 suspected cases in the two LGAs, noting that the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has put appropriate measures in place to contain the spread of the disease.
She stated: “With the deepest sense of sympathy to victims of a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by a suspected cholera outbreak, because we at the Ministry of Health are yet to actually confirm that those deaths were from cholera in Isiodun community of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“However, the symptoms of the cases reported are in keeping with the surveillance case definition of cholera.
“Cholera, as we all know, is an acute diarrhoeal disease that is caused by the bacteria ‘Vibrio cholerae’. It thrives in areas with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.
“It is transmitted by drinking water that is contaminated or ingesting contaminated food, as well as contact with surfaces that have been contaminated from infected persons.”
The Commissioner, while noting that the state is known for recurrent outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during dry seasons, said these pose significant public health challenges due to the high mobility and mortality rates.
She continued: “As of the 13th of January, 2025, we have recorded a total of 41 suspected cases from two local government areas in the state. And those local governments are Andoni and Akuku-Toru.
“We have also recorded nine associated deaths, out of which three are from Andoni. Six were confirmed from Akuku-Toru LGA.
“It was majorly these deaths that were reported and brought to our attention that necessitated the quick response from our Directorate of Public Health and Disease Control.
“On the 11th of January, 2025, the attention of the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre, and the Rivers State Ministry of Health, was drawn to a signal on three deaths within 48 hours in Isiodun community of Andoni LGA.
“The state rapid response team, led by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, investigated and commenced actions to contain that outbreak.”
She explained that the State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners and the Andoni LGA authority, has activated emergency response measures, including strengthened surveillance.
Oreh listed other control measures to include enhancing case detection and health facilities and communities in Andoni, adding that rapid response teams deployed trained personnel to affected communities across the state for case management and outbreak containment.
She added provisions of supplies, the distribution of oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and essential medicines to the health centres, among others.
The Commissioner noted that certain communities in the state are ‘highly prone’ to cholera and advised members of the public to always observe preventive measures to stay safe.
She advised: “The public is strongly advised to practice food hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
“Ensure the safety of drinking water, boil water or treat water with chlorine before it is used. Avoid consuming water from unverified sources and eating unsafe food.
“Food should be cooked thoroughly and eaten while still hot.”