The Ebonyi State Government has confirmed three additional deaths from a cholera outbreak that recently swept through Ndibokote village in Ezza Inyimagu, located in Izzi Local Government Area. This brings the total number of fatalities to 13, following an initial report of 10 deaths a few days ago.
During a press briefing in Abakaliki on Saturday, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, provided an update on the outbreak. He revealed that 69 cases of cholera have been confirmed across various parts of the state, with most of the deaths occurring in Ndibokote village and the Ndiogbaga Obashi community, both within Izzi Local Government Area.
According to Dr. Ekuma, the state government took swift action following the outbreak, ensuring that medical supplies were procured with the approval of Governor Francis Nwifuru to curb the spread of the disease. He stressed that the state’s Rapid Response Team was immediately deployed to the affected communities to provide treatment and contain the situation. “We have 69 confirmed cases and 13 deaths recorded from a cholera outbreak. Most of the deaths occurred in Ndibokote village of Ezza Inyimagu and Ndiogbaga Obashi community in Izzi Local Government Area,” he said.
Dr. Ekuma assured the public that the patients currently undergoing treatment at various health centers are responding well. Treatment centers were quickly established in the most affected areas, ensuring that those infected received prompt medical care. He added, “Presently, the patients under treatment are responding positively, and we have not recorded any other case for the past 24 hours now.” This indicates that the outbreak may be under control, though health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
Cholera, a waterborne disease caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water, can spread rapidly in communities lacking proper sanitation and hygiene. The outbreak in Ebonyi highlights the importance of adhering to preventive measures to avoid further infections. Dr. Ekuma urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the state’s Health Center for Disease Control or other accredited health facilities for timely intervention.
The commissioner also emphasized the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing, ensuring safe drinking water, and observing sanitary practices when preparing food. He noted that the government is committed to working with local health officials to prevent the spread of cholera and ensure that residents receive the necessary guidance and updates on prevention and treatment.
While the situation has caused concern among residents, Dr. Ekuma urged the public not to panic, as the state’s health authorities are taking all necessary steps to contain the outbreak. The deployment of medical teams, coupled with the distribution of critical medical supplies, has been instrumental in the ongoing efforts to combat the disease.
In the meantime, residents in affected areas and across the state have been encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration—key signs of cholera infection. Early detection and treatment are crucial in reducing the mortality rate associated with the disease.
The Ebonyi State Government continues to work closely with health partners and local communities to raise awareness about cholera prevention. With the situation under control for now, the focus remains on ensuring that no new cases emerge and that affected individuals receive the care they need to recover fully.
As the state battles this outbreak, the government’s prompt response, supported by proactive community engagement, highlights the importance of a coordinated effort in managing public health crises.
