Cholera Outbreak in Delta State: 3 Dead, Many Hospitalised
A cholera outbreak has claimed three lives and left many others in critical condition in the Bulu-Ndoro community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. Several affected residents have been hospitalised in a neighbouring state, Bayelsa.
Arede Edeinmene, the executive assistant on political matters to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, spoke to journalists in Warri, appealing for urgent government intervention to save lives. He expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of the epidemic, noting that almost every household in the community has been affected.
Edeinmene highlighted a dire situation where residents have no alternative but to rely on contaminated river water for drinking and other domestic uses. As an opinion leader in the community, he pointed out that the outbreak has overwhelmed the local health centre, stretching healthcare personnel and available medical facilities beyond their limits.
He called for additional medical personnel, supplies of essential drugs, and hospital equipment to support the overstretched health centre. He also lamented the loss of the deceased victims, emphasizing that they were the breadwinners of their families.
Furthermore, Edeinmene decried the lack of pipe-borne water in Bulu-Ndoro, stating that residents are increasingly apprehensive about using the river water, which remains their primary source of drinking water and livelihood.
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He stressed the need for the state government’s immediate intervention to support the efforts of the Burutu Local Government Area, warning that some families have already fled the community for fear of contracting the disease.
In his appeal to Governor Oborevwori, Edeinmene urged an upgrade of the existing health centre, calling for the provision of a resident doctor, a functional water system, and electricity to improve healthcare services in the community.
Meanwhile, cholera outbreaks have also been declared in Adamawa State on September 22, Yobe State on September 26, and Borno State on October 4. As of 2024, the BAY states—Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe—have recorded a total of 3,103 suspected cholera cases (Borno: 2,005 as of October 22; Adamawa: 910 as of October 21; Yobe: 188 as of October 13), including 142 confirmed cases. So far, 32 cholera-related deaths have been reported (Borno: 3; Adamawa: 19; Yobe: 10). The case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 3.8% in Borno, 2.3% in Adamawa, and 6.5% in Yobe.
More than 30% of those affected by cholera in the BAY states are children aged 5–15 years, with nearly an equal male-to-female ratio. In Borno, a significant number of cases (~600) were recorded in Gubio IDP camp, which shelters internally displaced persons affected by floods.
Before the cholera outbreak in the BAY states, Lagos State had recorded the highest number of cholera cases in 2024, with 4,667 cases reported.
Content Credit| This article was originally published by https://www.vanguardngr.com/
Picture Credit | https://www.gavi.org/
