20 dead, 171 cases reported as cholera invades Rivers state

By Jimitota Onoyume

P ORT HARCOURT-RIVERS State Government has confirmed the outbreak of cholera in Andoni Local Government Area of the state, saying that about 20 persons have so far died from the disease.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, in a statement, said about 171 cases had been reported in some communities in the council. According to him, the outbreak began on January 5.

The commissioner said the council's rapid response team and the state emergency response team had all risen to the task, adding that two treatment centres had been opened in the area.

He said: "The state emergency response team and the social mobilization team are already on ground to assess and manage the situation.

"Two treatment centres have already been established at Ebukuma and Okoli'ile to manage cases and affected people are advised to assess the facilities,"

Dr. Parker added that bore holes would be sunk in the area as part of measures to tackle the spread.

He appealed to the people of the state not to panic, stressing that the situation was under control.