Two people were confirmed dead, and 16 people apparently survived the recent cholera outbreak in portions of Rivers State.
Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, the state’s Commissioner for Health, confirmed this in a press statement signed by her in Port Harcourt on Thursday, stating that there were no cases of cholera in the state at the time.
Oreh revealed that the incidence occurred in three communities inside the Andoni Local Government Area and that the two victims died from cholera-like symptoms.
The health commissioner added that all of the cases were reported within the last four weeks, while the ailment was devastating other states in the country, and that two people tested positive for the destructive disease.
She said: “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).”
Oreh stated that there are presently no active cases of cholera in the state but asked locals to practice good hygiene.
She said, “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 upgrade to an infectious disease institute, is ready and able to manage cases in the event of any eventuality.
“Let me assure you of the state government’s commitment to adequately support, respond to, and contain these priority diseases.”
