Be watchful over cholera outbreak, Rivers health commissioner warns residents
The Rivers State Government has told residents in the state be vigilant about suspected cholera outbreak, especially in Ngo community, in Andoni Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, urged residents to seek medical attention at primary healthcare facilities if they experience any health issues.
The commissioner, spoke to newmen in a voice note at the weekend, said: ”This advisory comes in response to recent nationwide reports of cholera outbreaks in various states across Nigeria.
“In the past couple of days, there have been nationwide reports about cholera outbreaks across some of the states in Nigeria.
“I would therefore like to share a brief update to the public on the status in Rivers State.”
She said the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre received notification on June 9, 2024, of suspected cholera cases in Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area.
According to her, “The state rapid response team mobilized to support the local government area rapid response team to ascertain that diagnosis, manage and contain the incident.
“Suspected cases were managed at the General Hospital, Ngo, and the team interacted with the doctors who were available at the time of the visit.”
She stated that the cholera case management protocol was reviewed for a common understanding and that the Rivers State Ministry of Health provided the facility with medical supplies, educational materials, and infection prevention and control commodities.
“I wish to therefore emphasize here that there are currently no active cases that have been reported in Rivers State,” Dr. Oreh stated.
She advised residents to boil their water before drinking to prevent cholera and encouraged the public to report suspected cases for necessary follow-ups through dedicated telephone lines available in the public domain.