Rivers Government Denies Active Cholera Cases, Confirms Two Deaths from Diarrhoea

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has stated that there are no active cholera cases in the state, despite the disease affecting other parts of the country.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Dr. Oreh revealed that there were 16 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhoea, resulting in two deaths, in three coastal communities of Andoni local government area. She noted that two samples tested positive for cholera using rapid diagnostic tests, although they were not confirmed by culture.

Dr. Oreh assured that the state’s surveillance system is on high alert for potential triggers and suspected cases, and the infectious disease treatment centre is fully prepared to manage any incidents.

“In the past four weeks, we recorded about 16 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhoea in three coastal communities of Andoni local government area, with two associated deaths. The situation was quickly resolved, and although two samples tested positive for cholera using rapid diagnostic tests, they were not confirmed by culture. Currently, there are no active cases or outbreaks of cholera or acute watery diarrhoea in the state,” she said.

The Commissioner highlighted that the state has pre-positioned medical supplies in historical hot spots, trained health personnel, and initiated community health education on safe hygienic practices.

“The state’s surveillance is at an all-time high for detecting triggers and suspected cases. The infectious disease treatment centre at Rivers State University, soon to be upgraded to an infectious disease institute, is ready to handle any cases,” she added.

Dr. Oreh emphasized the state government’s commitment to supporting, responding to, and containing priority diseases in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the National Centre for Disease Control, and other stakeholders.

She reminded residents that cholera is preventable and advised them to ensure the safety of drinking water, maintain good hygiene, and practice regular hand washing with soap and clean water before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet. She also recommended the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. highrevenuenetwork.com/9e9a5ee8183bdc3f8ca0807126145712/invoke.js

“Keep fingernails short and clean to prevent bacterial buildup. Prepare and consume food safely by cooking it thoroughly and eating it while warm. Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before consumption, and keep food covered to protect it from contamination. Avoid open defecation and ensure toilets are properly maintained and located at a safe distance from water sources. Refrain from bathing, wading, or swimming in potentially contaminated water bodies,” she advised.