Measles outbreak kills 50 in Rivers

Community leaders in Kugbo Clan, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Monday, raised the alarm for urgent government intervention over the outbreak of measles said to have resulted in death of 50 persons.

It was gathered that the communicable disease said to have been noticed first in Amurouttoru-Kugbo community has spread to Emago-Kugbo and Akani-Kugbo in the clan, causing fatalities among children.

The Chairman, Community Development Committee, Emago Kugbo community, Levi Marcus, said, “We have a situation ravaging Okugbo Clan, that is Emakgbo, Akani, and Akpotu. It is about measles.

“In Akani-Okugbo, from what we witnessed and confirmed, 20 children have died. Again, if you go to Amuruotoru, we the same situation. We have up to 15 recorded cases. We have tried our best to reach the government, but they have not responded.”

The Youth Leader of Emago-Kugbo, Edoghotu Edwin, said, “The situation now is bad. Measles have taken over the community, and the children are suffering. Over 15 children have died in Emago.

“The situation has extended to Akani and Amuruotor. And we are calling on the government to come to our aid because there are no health workers to handle the situation.”