No fewer than 20 persons have been confirmed dead following cholera outbreak in coastal communities of Bomadi and Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Most of the victims of the outbreak were children in the rural areas that lack potable water.
It was gathered that residents of the communities had expressed worry over illness with symptoms similar to that of cholera, with many visiting hospitals and public health centres for treatment.
The cholera outbreak is coming at the heels of yellow fever in some communities in the state.
However, a source at the ministry of health said, only seven persons died out of the 150 cases recorded as at January 16, 2021.
The source further said that new cases are being recorded, while analysis of samples from the patients were ongoing. He added that Tuomo, Tamigbe and Gberegolor communities in Bomadi Local Government Area were the most hit as several victims reportedly died before reaching hospital or receiving medical attention.
It was gathered that a team of officials from the state ministry of health and primary healthcare unit are already in the communities – working to bring the situation under control.
A resident of one of the communities said: “Here in Bomadi, we drink from this river [Focados] because that is the only source of water. Anyone can see how dirty the river is. Some persons also rely on their shallow wells or ponds; this is clearly the cause of this cholera.”
In swift reaction, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ononye Mordi, said the cholera outbreak maybe as a result of poor hygiene among the residents, including drinking water with high iron content and pollution as a result of poor sanitary habits.
He assured that concerted efforts were being made by the state government to activate the water projects in order to provide the areas with potable water.