A devastating cholera outbreak has struck Ndibokote village in Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, claiming the lives of 11 individuals, including a nursing mother who left behind a 9-month-old baby.
The outbreak, which began on Monday, September 23, 2024, has also affected 20 others who are currently responding to treatment.
Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, confirmed the outbreak and commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for approving funds to combat the outbreak. Three treatment centers have been established in the area, and Ekuma advised residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.
“Once you start having symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting or even any, you should rush to any of these emergency treatment centers,” Ekuma urged.
Director, Public Health, Dr. Hyacinth Ebenyi attributed the outbreak to open defecation, poor hygiene, and the community’s reliance on stream water ¹. Elder Stephen Nwankpuma, a community stakeholder, praised the swift response of the state government after he alerted them to the crisis.
Community Health Worker Mr. Maduabuchi Nwokpuru recounted the frantic efforts to save lives at God’s Healing Clinic, where affected individuals were stooling and vomiting profusely. Some community members, however, criticized the slow response of local government officials, suggesting that prompt action could have reduced the number of fatalities.
In a related development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has supported Ebonyi State’s efforts to curb the cholera outbreak, providing technical guidance and mobilizing partners to ensure quality health service delivery.
