Cholera spreads to eight Delta LGAs, kills seven

Cholera spreads to eight Delta LGAs, kills seven

Delta Health Commissioner, Joseph Onojaeme, on Tuesday, July 30, said that seven deaths were recorded following cholera epidemic that struck eight local government areas in the state.

He viewed cholera as a disease resulting from poor hygiene, and describing the outbreak as a national challenge.

Onojaeme spoke in Asaba at a press briefing on measures by the state government to check the spread of the disease.

He said the first outbreak occurred in mid February in Warri South-West LGA with seven deaths, before the second and third outbreaks.

According to him, cholera is a bacteria infection spread by the consumption of infected water and food, resulting in watery stool, dehydration and electrolyte.

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Onojaeme said that the state government’s intervention is adequate.

He, however, advised on the need for regular hand washing, intake of potable water and maintenance of clean and hygienic environment.

He said: “We have done so much to respond to the challenge with a view to controlling it through the Epidemiology unit of the Health Ministry. We don’t quarantine Cholera patients because the disease is not airborne, but we treat victims and advise them to avoid the risk factors.

“We are continuing our control process with adequate advocacy. Cholera is a national outbreak which gives the intervention approach a national importance. So, we are doing our best to curtail it on all sides.”

Cholera spreads to eight Delta LGAs, kills seven