In Delta State, a cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of seven children across eight local government areas.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the State Commissioner for Health, made this tragic announcement in Asaba, citing poor sanitation as the cause of these deaths.
Describing the outbreak as a nationwide issue, he emphasized the importance of regular handwashing, consumption of clean water, and maintaining hygiene in the surroundings.
The commissioner clarified that cholera is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water, leading to symptoms like watery stool, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
Although the state government has taken adequate measures to intervene, the commissioner mentioned that patients with cholera are not isolated because the disease is not airborne.
He stated, “Cholera has an incubation period of 12 days, during which an asymptomatic individual can unknowingly transmit the infection. However, practicing good hygiene habits can help contain its spread.”
Highlighting the efforts of the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry in addressing the challenge, he reassured, “Our ongoing advocacy and control strategies are aimed at combating this national outbreak effectively.”
Earlier, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, explained that the press conference was organized to provide the public with a comprehensive update on the cholera situation.
He urged the residents to collaborate with the government to collectively combat and overcome this ordeal.