Cross River confirms deaths from cholera outbreak, says over 30 receiving treatment

Cross River State Government has confirmed deaths from cholera outbreak in Ekureku community in Abo Council of the state. With an index case on Thursday, December 15, the case escalated following ingestion of contaminated water from the village’s water source.

Addressing newsmen after a visit to the community and health facilities, where those affected were receiving treatment, the Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCA), Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, expressed sadness over the development, stating that it could have been prevented if simple protocols were observed.

She said about 30 persons were receiving treatment in various health facilities within Abi and Yakurr councils of the state.

The state government, according to her, had deployed a response team, together with representatives  from the World Health Organisation (WHO),  the Nigerian  Red Cross  and Wash Programme to intervene.

The DG, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Iwara Iwara, representatives from  the state epidemiologist, WHO, Red Cross and others,  sympathised with family members who lost their loved ones to the dreaded disease.

Ekpenyong stated: “The state government finds this incident quite unfortunate and sympathises with families who have been affected. 

“Because of how fast the transmission rate of cholera is, we have recorded deaths with many other victims hospitalised in various government facilities and graciously, responding to treatments.

“We are applying every possible means to halt transmission as we have gone across the community sensitising the people to the possible ways of managing the disease and speaking to 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.”