At least, eleven people comprising men, women and children have lost their lives following an outbreak of cholera in Ndibokote village of Ezza Inyimagu in Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, confirmed the outbreak to journalists on Thursday in Abakiliki the state capital.
Among the deceased was a nursing mother who left behind a nine-month-old baby.
Daily Trust learnt that the outbreak which started on Monday had affected 20 people who are currently responding to treatment.
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Speaking during the rapid response at Iziogo health center Thursday, Ekuma advised residents to take precautionary measure in curbing the spread.
The Commissioner noted that the state has equipped three health centres to assist in arresting the disease.
“Once you start having symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting or even any, you should rush to any of these emergency treatment centers.
“We have medical expert to respond to emergency to avoid further loss of lives in the area.
“We are doing this in partnership with World Health Organisation and United Nation International Children Education Fund (UNICEF),” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Health in the state, Dr. Hyacinth Ebenyi, said the outbreak was as a result of suspected case from a woman who was buried in the area.
Ebenyi also suspected open defecation and poor hygiene as factors that led to the outbreak.
Also, a stakeholder of the Community, Elder Stephen Nwankpuma, said that prompt response helped to savaged the situation.
“Immediately I got the distress call, I quickly called the relevant authorities including the state government,” Nwankpuma said.
Earlier, a Community Health Worker and the owner of God’s Healing Clinic, Mr Maduabuchi Nwokpuru, said those brought to his facility were stooling and vomiting.
“We work assiduously to safe lives and some cases were referred to higher hospitals.
Other members of the community who spoke on the ground of anonymity said that the outbreak began after the burial of a woman suspected to have died of cholera last week.
They alleged that they called the Chairman of Izzi Local Government Council, Hon Stephen Nwankpa, and one of the coordinators of the area for intervention.
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