In a tragic development, seven children have tragically lost their lives due to a Cholera outbreak spanning across eight local government areas in Delta State.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Commissioner for Health in Delta State, revealed this distressing information during a briefing held in Asaba on Tuesday. He attributed the fatalities to the unsanitary living conditions prevalent in the region.
Highlighting the severity of the situation as a national dilemma, he emphasized the critical importance of frequent hand washing, consumption of clean drinking water, and the upkeep of a sanitary environment to combat the spread of the disease.
Dr. Onojaeme clarified that Cholera is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water and food, resulting in symptoms such as watery diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
Despite the adequate efforts undertaken by the state government to address the crisis, the health commissioner noted that the affected individuals were not isolated as Cholera is not an airborne disease.
Elaborating further, 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 significantly help contain its spread.”
“Through the proactive measures implemented by the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, we have taken substantial steps to mitigate the outbreak,” he added.
“Given the nationwide scope of the Cholera outbreak, our response efforts hold national significance. Therefore, we are fully committed to curtailing its impact from all fronts,” affirmed the commissioner.
Prior to this, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, underscored the necessity of the press conference to provide a comprehensive update on the outbreak to the public and urged residents to collaborate with the government in combating this crisis effectively.