Tragedy has struck Rivers State as nine lives have been lost to a suspected cholera outbreak in two local government areas, the state government confirmed on Thursday.
At a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, identified the affected areas as Andoni Local Government Area, where three deaths were recorded, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, which reported six fatalities.
“This is a deeply concerning situation,” Dr. Oreh stated, expressing her condolences to the families of the victims. “We are investigating what appears to be an outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea consistent with cholera in the Isiodun community of Andoni LGA.”
According to Oreh, the state has recorded 41 suspected cases of cholera across the two LGAs as of January 13, 2025. The outbreak came to the government’s attention after three deaths were reported in Isiodun within 48 hours.
Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, spreads through contaminated water, food, or contact with infected surfaces. It is a familiar but devastating problem in Rivers State, particularly during the dry season, when water scarcity and poor sanitation amplify the risks.
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“The symptoms reported align with our surveillance case definition of cholera,” Oreh explained. “The state is prone to these outbreaks during the dry season, which poses significant public health challenges, including high morbidity and mortality rates.”
The Rivers State Ministry of Health has launched an emergency response, deploying a rapid response team to the affected areas. Led by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, the team is working in collaboration with local authorities and health partners to contain the outbreak.
“We are enhancing disease surveillance, strengthening case detection in health facilities, and ensuring the distribution of lifesaving supplies,” Oreh announced. Supplies include oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids, and essential medicines delivered to health centres in the affected communities.
In an impassioned appeal to residents, Oreh stressed the importance of adopting preventive measures.
“We strongly advise the public to practise proper food hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap and clean water—especially before meals and after using the toilet. Drinking water should be boiled or treated with chlorine, and water from unverified sources should be avoided entirely,” she said.
The commissioner also underscored the importance of early detection, urging residents to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms, such as acute diarrhoea and dehydration.
For Rivers State, the battle against cholera is a recurring challenge. The dry season, coupled with infrastructural gaps in water and sanitation, creates a perfect storm for outbreaks like this one. Yet, the government is determined to break this cycle.
“This is not just about responding to an outbreak—it’s about preventing future tragedies,” Oreh noted. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that this does not escalate further.”
