An update from the Delta State Government acknowledges seven fatalities in the region due to the recent cholera outbreak.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the State Commissioner for Health, shared this information during a briefing in Asaba, the state capital.
According to him, “The initial wave of cases emerged in mid-February. Since then, the state has documented approximately 138 instances in Warri South West, the epicenter, and in subsequent outbreaks, we observed 11 probable instances in Bomadi and one in Oshimili South. Tragically, seven individuals, mostly children, have succumbed to the disease.
“We have managed to contain the outbreak within Delta State. Our Disease Surveillance and Monitoring team has actively advocated and educated the populace on the root causes of the illness. Cholera is primarily linked to poor hygiene practices. We have emphasized the importance of basic hand hygiene and avoidance of contaminated water sources.
“The Health Ministry has distributed water purification tablets to address this issue. In the past six weeks, the number of suspected cases in Warri South West, where the outbreak originated, has dropped to 20. The majority of cases have received treatment, and the situation is now manageable.
“Continuous advocacy is crucial; risk factors include poor sanitation and decreased stomach acid levels. Cholera’s incubation period extends up to 12 days, allowing asymptomatic carriers to spread the disease through feces and urine in close quarters.
The gender distribution among the victims stands at 3:1 (male to female ratio), with casualties largely occurring during the initial outbreak. The subsequent outbreaks are being effectively handled by the State Health Ministry.
The Commissioner also highlighted that the disease is prevalent in communities located near water bodies and identified high-risk local government areas in the state such as Warri South West, Warri North, Warri South, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Bomadi, and Burutu.