After receiving reports of a cholera outbreak in various parts of the country, the Rivers State Government has stated that while there is a suspected case in the Ngo community in Andoni Local Government Area, there have been no confirmed cases.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the state Commissioner for Health, relayed this information in a voice message to the media in Port Harcourt.
She emphasized the importance of this clarification due to the recent reports of cholera outbreaks in other states. She urged residents to seek medical help at primary healthcare facilities if they experience any health issues.
Adaeze stated, “In the past couple of days, there have been nationwide reports about cholera outbreaks across some of the states in Nigeria.
“I would, therefore, like to share a brief update to the public on the status in Rivers state.
“On the 9th of June, 2024, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre received notification of some suspected cases of cholera at Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area of the state.
“The Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre was further notified of two associated deaths in the community with similar symptoms by the local government area rapid response team led by the state disease surveillance and notification officer.
“The state rapid response team mobilised to support the local government area rapid response team to ascertain that diagnosis, manage and contain the incident.
“Suspected cases were managed at the General Hospital, Ngo and the team interacted with the doctors who were available at the time of the visit.”
She noted, “The cholera case management protocol was reviewed for common understanding and the Rivers State Ministry of Health supported the facility with medical consumables, information, education and communication materials, and infection prevention and control commodities.
“I wish to therefore emphasize here that there are currently no active cases that have been reported in Rivers State.”
The commissioner urged the public to boil water before consumption as a precaution against cholera.
Additionally, she encouraged reporting suspected cholera cases through publicly available dedicated phone lines for timely intervention and follow-up actions .
