Cholera Outbreak Hits Ebonyi: 10 Dead, 20 Infected

Ebonyi Cholera Epidemic Claims 10 Lives, 20 Cases Reported

The Ebonyi State government is taking proactive measures to combat the cholera outbreak in the region...

Cholera hits Ebonyi, Nigeria, claiming 10 lives; government, WHO, and UNICEF deploy emergency response teams.

Tragedy struck in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, as a cholera outbreak claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including a nursing mother who left behind a 9-month-old baby, in Ndibokote village, Ezza Inyimagu, Izzi Local Government Area. The outbreak, which started on Monday, September 23, 2024, has also affected 20 others who are currently receiving treatment.

Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, confirmed the incident during the Rapid Response at Iziogo Health Centre on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The swift response from the government and health authorities is crucial in containing the outbreak.

Cholera Outbreak Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working closely with the Nigerian government to combat cholera outbreaks in the country. In fact, WHO has provided technical guidance and support to ensure quality health service delivery in affected areas.

The Ebonyi State government is taking proactive measures to combat the cholera outbreak in the region. Commissioner Moses Ekuma praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for swiftly approving funds to procure essential medical supplies, demonstrating the government's commitment to containing the situation.

The establishment of three treatment centers in Iziogo Health Centre, Sudan Mission, Onuenyim, and Ndibokote villages marks a crucial step in combating the cholera outbreak, providing vital medical services to those affected.

Key Objectives of the Treatment Centers:

Provide Critical Care: Offer essential medical services to individuals affected by the outbreak

Contain Disease Spread: Implement measures to prevent further transmission of cholera

Protect Vulnerable Populations: Ensure the safety and well-being of communities at risk

These preventive steps are essential to containing cholera and ensuring the safety and health of our communities.

Prevention Measures

To prevent further transmission, residents are urged to take precautions:

Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water

Store food safely: Keep food in rodent-proof containers

Dispose of waste properly: Keep homes and surroundings clean

Avoid contaminated water: Drink clean and safe water.

The government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is also working to improve water supply, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in affected areas. By taking these measures, the Ebonyi State government aims to protect its residents and prevent the outbreak from escalating.

He said, “Once you start experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, or even any related symptoms, you should rush to any of these emergency treatment centres.”

Commissioner Moses Ekuma swiftly launched an emergency rapid response to combat the cholera outbreak in Ebonyi State, averting further loss of life. He expressed gratitude to vital partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), for their invaluable support in tackling the crisis.

The WHO has been instrumental in providing technical guidance to ensure quality health service delivery, as well as coordinating other partners and intervention activities across the state and communities. Their collaboration has led to the successful management and discharge of about 135 patients from treatment centers.

Key Support Measures:

Technical Guidance: WHO provided expertise to enhance health service delivery.

Surveillance Training: WHO conducted training for health workers to detect and report cholera cases early.

Medical Supplies: WHO and NCDC provided rapid diagnostic testing kits and sample collection materials.

Community Sensitization: WHO supported campaigns with preventive messages to curb transmission.

This proactive approach demonstrates the commitment to addressing public health emergencies effectively, as seen in successful responses to similar outbreaks in other regions.