Cholera Hits Anambra, Kills Eight, 25 Hospitalised

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, News From The State, Nigeria 2015 Election Wednesday, January 28th, 2015

FROM IGNATIUS OKPARA, Awka – Residents of Anambra state, south east Nigeria, are now living in perpetual fear as the deadly Cholera disease which hit the area has killed eight persons, while 25 others had been hospitalised.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, who made this known to newsmen on Tuesday in his office in Awka, while receiving over 25 cartons of drugs donated to the state by Superior Pharmacy, Lagos, said that four communities in Anambra West Local Council were affected.

He added that the quick intervention of the ministry and its team of medical officers have stabilised the situation.

“The people living in the area have been adequately sensitised on how to beat the epidemic, which according, is mostly water-borne.

He said: “So far, 25 people, mostly children that were infected, are in stable condition and had been moved out into safety areas.

“It is a water-borne disease, and mostly affects areas where their source of drinking water is contaminated.

“The best advice at this time is for families to ensure that their source of drinking water is okay, and when it is not, they should endeavour to boil it before drinking.

“We also advised families to ensure cleanliness and proper disposal of faeces as flies can perch on them and also perch on their foods, leading to contamination.”

Receiving the drugs valued over N4 million donated by the chief Executive Officer (CEO), Superior Pharmaceutical Company, Lagos for the treatment of infected persons, the Commissioner, stated that such gesture would help the governor Willy Obiano, led government to contain the challenges of the disease outbreak in the state.

Earlier, the Human Resources Manager of the company, Miss Ruth Harrison, had explained that the company decided to complement the efforts of the governor of the state, in containing the cholera epidemic in the area.

“More so as the proprietor of the company is from Anambra State.