The Cross River State Government has confirmed deaths of those killed by suspected cholera outbreak in Ekureku community in Abo local government area of the state due to cholera outbreak that claimed some lives.
The incident which occured with an index case on Thursday, December 15th 2022 has escalated after the consumption of a contaminated water from the village drinking source.
Addressing news men after a visit to the community and the health facilities where those affected are receiving treatment, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCA) Dr. Janet Ekpenyong expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident stating that it could have been prevented if simple protocols were taken into consideration.
She said about 30 persons are currently receiving treatments in various health facilities within Abi and Yakurr Local Government Area of the State.
The DG said in a swift response upon hearing the sad incident, the state Government had deployed a response team together with representatives from the world health organization, the Nigerian Red Cross and Wash Program who to intervened and rescued many lives.
The DG who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara, representatives from the state epidemiologist, World Health Organization, Red Cross and others sympathised with family members who have lost their love ones to the dreaded disease.
Dr. Ekpenyong stated: “The State Government find this incident quite unfortunate and sympathize with families who have been affected.
Because of how fast the transmission rate of cholera is, we have recorded deaths with many other victims hospitalized in various government owned facilities and graciously, responding to treatments.
“We are applying every possible means to halt transmission as we have gone across the community sensitizing the people on the possible ways of managing the disease as well as speaking to the community leaders to support the state Government by lending their voices to ensure their communities adhere to hygiene protocols to end cholera and other related illnesses”.the DG told.
She informed that samples had been taken and sent for confirmation, while treatments of the water source and fumigation is in on going.