The Rivers State Government has confirmed the deaths of nine individuals following a suspected cholera epidemic in two local government areas of the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, announced this on Thursday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Oreh listed the impacted LGAs as Andoni (three deaths) and Akuku-Toru (six deaths).
She claimed that the state has reported 41 suspected cases in the two LGAs and that the government is taking steps to curb the spread.
The commissioner noted that, while the Ministry of Health has not fully confirmed the deaths caused by cholera, the symptoms match the disease’s surveillance case criteria.
“With the deepest sympathy to the victims, we are investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in the Isiodun community of Andoni LGA. The symptoms reported are consistent with cholera,” she said.
Oreh observed that cholera, caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, thrives in regions with inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
Consuming contaminated water or food, as well as coming into contact with infected surfaces, is how the sickness spreads.
She stated that Rivers State is prone to recurring outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera throughout the dry season, posing severe public health concerns due to high morbidity and mortality rates.
“As of January 13, 2025, we recorded 41 suspected cases in Andoni and Akuku-Toru LGAs, with nine associated deaths. Three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six were reported in Akuku-Toru,” she said.
The State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners and Andoni LGA authorities, has activated emergency response measures to address the outbreak following three deaths in Isiodun community within 48 hours on January 11.
Oreh announced that a state fast reaction team, coordinated by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, had been dispatched to the impacted areas.
The team has increased surveillance, improved case detection in health facilities, and sent critical supplies to communities. This includes the delivery of oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and critical medications to health care facilities.
The Commissioner advised households to take preventative measures to slow the spread of the disease.
“The public is strongly advised to practice proper food hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Drinking water should be boiled or treated with chlorine, and water from unverified sources should be avoided,” she advised.
