Rivers announces suspected cases of Cholera, nine deaths

The Rivers State Government has confirmed the death of nine individuals following a suspected cholera outbreak in two local government areas of the state.

The PUNCH reports that the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.

Oreh identified the affected LGAs as Andoni, where three deaths were recorded, and Akuku-Toru, which also reported six fatalities.

She stated that the state has recorded 41 suspected cases in the two LGAs, adding that the government has taken steps to contain the outbreak.

The Commissioner explained that, although the Ministry of Health has not fully confirmed the deaths resulting from cholera, the symptoms align with the surveillance case definition of the disease.

“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.

Oreh noted that cholera, caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, thrives in areas with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure. The disease is transmitted through consuming contaminated water or food and contact with infected surfaces.

She highlighted that Rivers State is prone to recurrent outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry season, which poses significant public health challenges 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 Commissioner stated that the outbreak was brought to the ministry’s attention after three deaths were reported within 48 hours in Isiodun community on January 11.

The State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners and the Andoni LGA authorities, has activated emergency response measures to tackle the outbreak.

Oreh revealed that a state rapid response team, led by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, has been deployed to the affected areas.

“The team has enhanced surveillance, strengthened case detection in health facilities, and provided essential supplies to the communities. This includes the distribution of oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and essential medicines to health centres,” she said.

The Commissioner urged residents to adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.

“The public is strongly advised to practise 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.