The Rivers government has announced the death of nine individuals following a suspected cholera outbreak in Andoni and Akuku-Toru LGAs.

Ada Oreh, the health commissioner, confirmed the development on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

She said three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six others were recorded in Akuku-Toru, with 41 suspected cases currently under monitoring across the two areas.

“We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak,” Ms Oreh said.

The commissioner noted that health officials were conducting tests to determine definitively whether the deaths were caused by cholera.

She, however, said, “The symptoms observed align with the surveillance case definition for the disease.

“The ministry is also investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in the Isiodun community in Andoni LGA. The symptoms analysed are consistent with cholera.”

According to Ms Oreh, the bacteria responsible for cholera thrive in environments lacking access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygienic conditions.

She added that the bacteria could be transmitted through contaminated water or food and contact with infected surfaces.

“Rivers is particularly prone to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry seasons. This poses significant public health challenges due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with such outbreaks.

“The ministry, in collaboration with its partners and the authorities in Andoni LGA, has activated emergency response measures.

“Our rapid response team has also been deployed to the affected areas to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and supply essential supplies to the communities,” Ms Oreh stated.

Ms Oreh disclosed that the response team had distributed oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and vital medicines to health centres in the affected areas.

She advised residents to practice frequent hand washing with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.

Ms Oreh also urged them to drink only boiled or chlorine-treated water to ensure safety.

(NAN)