Reports have surfaced regarding a suspected cholera outbreak in Ngo community, located in the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. However, the State Government has confirmed that there are currently no active cases documented.
Residents are encouraged to seek assistance from any primary healthcare facility within the state if they encounter any health concerns, according to a message relayed in a voice note by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, to the press in Port Harcourt, the capital of the state, on Saturday.
Dr. Oreh deemed it necessary to share this information in light of recent nationwide alerts about cholera outbreaks in various states throughout the country.
She stated, “There have been national reports of cholera outbreaks in several Nigerian states over the past few days.
“I would like to provide a brief update on the situation in Rivers State.
“On June 9, 2024, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre received notifications of suspected cholera cases in Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area.
“The local government area rapid response team, under the guidance of the State disease surveillance and notification officer, reported two deaths with similar symptoms within the community.
“The state rapid response team was deployed to assist the local team in diagnosing, managing, and containing the situation.
“Suspected cases were treated at General Hospital, Ngo, where the team collaborated with the attending physicians.”
Continuing, she mentioned, “The cholera case management protocol was reviewed to ensure clarity, and the Ministry of Health provided the facility with medical supplies, educational materials, and infection prevention and control items.
“I want to reiterate that there are currently no active reported cases in Rivers State.”
However, the commissioner urged the public to boil water before consumption to prevent cholera outbreaks.
She also mentioned that suspected cholera cases can be reported for follow-ups through publicized dedicated phone lines.