As the cholera outbreak continues to expand to additional states, governors in the South-South region have activated emergency response centers to contain any potential outbreaks within their respective areas.
Officials from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, who revealed this information while participating in a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria, confirmed that there have been no verified cases of cholera in their regions.
They have already commenced public awareness campaigns to educate residents on preventive measures against the disease.
It should be noted that instances of cholera outbreak were documented in 112 local government areas across 33 states of Nigeria between January 1 and June 30, 2024.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reports that a minimum of 2,102 suspected cases and 63 fatalities from cholera have been recorded during this time frame.
NAN highlights that Cholera is an infectious bacterial disease affecting the small intestine, typically transmitted through the ingestion of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium found in contaminated water and food sources.
Speaking in Akwa Ibom, the Health Commissioner, Professor Augustine Umoh mentioned, “For now, there is no reported case of cholera outbreak in the state”
He announced that the government has launched a awareness program across all 31 LGAs to emphasize the importance of personal and environmental hygiene.
Umoh encouraged residents to treat their household water through methods like boiling, filtering, and disinfection before consumption to ensure safety.
He said, “We have to wash our hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially after using the toilet and before eating. We are also urging our people to wash fruits and other food items before eating.”
The commissioner stated apart from the sensitisation, the government had taken other steps to contain any eventual outbreak of the disease in the state.
He elaborated, “We are stocking emergency drugs such as fluid and necessary medications in all primary health centres across the state.
“The state government has also reactivated all emergency operations centres across the state to forestall any outbreak.”
The commissioner assured that Akwa Ibom government will maintain surveillance, especially in border areas, to prevent cholera spread.
He advised residents to use salt-sugar solution for diarrhea and seek prompt medical attention. Meanwhile, Rivers State Health Commissioner, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, reported no confirmed cholera cases in the state’s 23 LGAs, although there were earlier reports of Acute Watery Diarrhea, which have since been contained with no current active cases.
The commissioner added, “About four weeks ago, we had about 16 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhoea in three coastal communities of Andoni LGA, with two associated deaths.
“Two samples tested positive for cholera using the Rapid Diagnostic screening tool, however, these results were not confirmed by a culture test.
“At present, there are no active cases or any cholera outbreak or acute watery diarrhoea in Rivers state.”
Oreh disclosed that the state government had deployed medical supplies to areas prone to infectious diseases, noting, “The infectious disease treatment centre at Rivers State University Hospital, which was marked for upgrade into an infectious disease institute, is now fully equipped to manage cases.
“The state government is working closely with the World Health Organisation, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard the health of residents.”
The Health Ministry has upgraded healthcare professionals’ skills and launched public awareness campaigns to promote good hygiene practices, according to Commissioner Oreh.
A high-alert surveillance system is in place to quickly identify potential disease outbreaks. The government is committed to providing necessary support and response to contain viral diseases.
Oreh urged residents to maintain good hygiene habits, such as drinking clean water, eating well-cooked food, and properly washing fruits and vegetables.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Ayuk of Cross River State reported no recent cholera outbreaks, with no confirmed cases recorded recently.
He explained that the last record of a confirmed case of cholera was in January 2024, saying, “This was effectively addressed.”
According to him, the state is fully prepared for any emergency response in the current nationwide cholera outbreak.
He noted, “The public health emergency response centre has been activated while the local government response teams have all been strengthened with adequate capacity, including commodities to handle any emergency.
“Similarly, as residents of the state can see, there has been a massive improvement in waste evacuation, which is returning the state to its status as one of the cleanest in the nation.
“This is also a measure to fight the disease because cholera thrives with dirt, which contaminates what humans consume.”
Commissioner Ayuk urged citizens to take preventive measures by practicing good personal hygiene, consuming safe food and clean water, and avoiding crowded areas.
He encouraged residents to promptly report any symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or cholera-related signs to the nearest health facility.
Ayuk reassured that the state government prioritizes citizens’ health and well-being, and is committed to ensuring their safety at all times.
