Many people have been feared dead as the Cross River State Government confirmed suspected cholera outbreak in Ekureku, Abi Local Government Area.
The number of deaths is still not certain but the Director General of the State Primary Health Care agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong said the swift response team has registered about 30 persons receiving treatments in various health facilities within Abi local government area and the neighboring Yakurr Local Government Area.
The incident which occurred with an index case on Thursday, was said to have been escalated on Saturday after the consumption of a contaminated water from the village drinking source.
Speaking late on Saturday after a visit to the community and the health facilities where those affected are recuperating, the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong regretted the unfortunate incident, saying it would have been averted if simple protocols were taken into consideration.
According to her, the State Government Response team working with personnels of WHO, the Red Cross and WASH Programme swiftly responded to contain the spread of the outbreak in the area and rescued many lives.
The DG, who was with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Iwara Iwara and representatives from the state epidemiologist, confirmed that simples have been taken to ascertain cause of the incident.
She said: “The State Government find this incident quite unfortunate and sympathize with families who have been affected.”
She noted the transmission rate of cholera is often fast, confirming the number of deaths that may have been recorded and many other victims hospitalized in various government owned facilities.
The victims are graciously responding to treatments, she added.
She gave the assurance that the swift response team is applying every possible means to halt transmission as they 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”.
Besides the samples that had been taken and sent for confirmation, the DG of the State PHCDA noted that treatments of the water source in the area and fumigation in on course.
The team also distributed drugs, consumables and other commodities needed for their response.
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