The Rivers State Government has confirmed the deaths of nine people in two local government areas of the state from a suspected cholera outbreak.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, confirmed the deaths during a news briefing at her office in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Dr. Oreh identified the affected local government areas as Andoni LGA, with three deaths, and Akuku-Toru LGA, where six deaths were recorded.

She further stated that the deaths followed a total of 41 suspected cases in the two LGAs but assured that the state government, through the Ministry of Health, had put appropriate measures in place to prevent the disease’s spread.

Dr. Oreh, who expressed sympathy to the victims of the suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhea caused by the suspected cholera outbreak in the Isiodun community of Andoni LGA, noted that the Ministry of Health had yet to confirm that the deaths were due to cholera.

She said, “With the deepest sense of sympathy to victims of a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhea caused by a suspected cholera outbreak, we at the Ministry of Health are yet to actually confirm that those deaths were from cholera in the Isiodun community of Andoni LGA.

“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 diarrhea disease caused by the bacteria ‘Vibrio cholerae’. It thrives in areas with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.

“It is transmitted by drinking contaminated water, ingesting contaminated food, or contact with surfaces contaminated by infected persons.”

While noting that the state is known for recurrent outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea and cholera during dry seasons, the Commissioner emphasized the significant public health challenges posed by the high mobility and mortality rates.

She said, “As of January 13, 2025, we have recorded a total of 41 suspected cases from two local government areas in the state—Andoni and Akuku-Toru.

“We have also recorded nine associated deaths, with three from Andoni and six from Akuku-Toru LGA.

“It was primarily these deaths that were reported and brought to our attention, necessitating a quick response from our Directorate of Public Health and Disease Control.

“On January 11, 2025, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre was alerted to three deaths within 48 hours in the Isiodun community of Andoni LGA.

“The state rapid response team, led by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, investigated and initiated actions to contain the outbreak.”

Dr. Oreh explained that the State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners and the Andoni LGA authority, has activated emergency response measures, including enhanced surveillance.

As part of efforts to combat the cholera outbreak, Dr. Oreh outlined several control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

She stated that the state government is enhancing case detection and healthcare facilities in Andoni, one of the affected areas.

Rapid response teams with trained personnel have also been deployed to affected communities across the state for case management and outbreak containment.

Additionally, the state government has provided essential supplies, including oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and medicines to health centers.

The Commissioner noted that certain communities in the state are highly prone to cholera outbreaks and advised the public to observe preventive measures to stay safe.

“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,” Dr. Oreh said.

She also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of drinking water by boiling or treating it with chlorine before consumption.

Residents are further advised to avoid consuming water from unverified sources and eating unsafe food.

“Food should be cooked thoroughly and eaten while still hot,” Dr. Oreh added. (The Guardian)

•Medical staff give treatment to people suffering from cholera at a medical camp set up outside the Glen View polyclinic on September 19, 2018, in Harare. / AFP PHOTO / Jekesai NJIKIZANA