NIGERIA: Suspected Cholera Outbreak Claims Nine Lives In Rivers State

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Nine people have died following a suspected cholera outbreak in Rivers State, the government confirmed on Thursday.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, announced the fatalities during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, identifying Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas as the affected regions.

According to Oreh, three deaths were reported in Andoni, while Akuku-Toru recorded six fatalities.

A total of 41 suspected cases have been identified in the two LGAs, prompting the state government to initiate urgent containment measures.

While the deaths have not been fully confirmed as cholera-related, Oreh explained that the reported symptoms align with the surveillance case definition of the disease.

She noted that an investigation is underway to ascertain the outbreak’s exact cause.

“With the deepest sympathy to the victims, we are investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in Isiodun community of Andoni LGA. The symptoms reported are consistent with cholera,” she said.

Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, is commonly transmitted through contaminated water, food, or surfaces.

It thrives in areas with poor sanitation, water infrastructure, and hygiene practices.

Oreh highlighted that Rivers State is particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry season, which often leads to significant morbidity and mortality.

The outbreak was brought to the Ministry of Health’s attention after three deaths were reported in Isiodun community within 48 hours on January 11.

Emergency response measures were immediately activated, with the Ministry of Health collaborating with Andoni LGA authorities and other partners.

A state rapid response team, led by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, has been dispatched to the affected areas to enhance surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and provide essential supplies.

The government has distributed oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and essential medicines to health centres in the impacted communities.

Oreh emphasized the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease, urging residents to practise proper food hygiene, frequent handwashing with soap and clean water, and the boiling or chlorination of drinking water.

She also advised against the use of water from unverified sources.

The Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the outbreak and ensuring the safety of residents.