The Bayelsa State Government has raised an alarm over a cholera outbreak after 5 persons die.
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The outbreak was confirmed in Ofoni, a coastline settlement in the Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.
In a chat with NAN, the Commissioner for Health Dr Pabara Igwele said five persons have died so far.
Also, Igewele revealed that at least 22 cases of cholera had been confirmed in the area of the state.
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The Commissioner for Health said:
“We have received a report of an outbreak of cholera in one of our communities, Ofoni to be precise, in Sagbama LGA.
“Samples have been taken and tests confirmed that we have about 22-line listed cases already and we have lost five persons.
“It is an emergency situation that needs an emergency response. The ministry has set up a rapid response team to move into Ofoni community.
“I spoke with the Country Representative of World Health Organisation (WHO) for some support and we are hoping that in the next 24 hours we will be getting support from the WHO and the UNICEF.”
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Igwele also advised the community to be careful about their source of water. He stressed that since Cholera is a waterborne disease the use of water from any source poses a health risk.
The Commissioner for Health also vowed to handle the situation before it further spreads.
“For now, I know it is quite worrisome. Within the next 24 hours, we will be able to handle and curb the situation to prevent further spread of the bacteria,’’ Igwele said.
Source: The Guardian