Cholera Outbreak Claims Lives of Seven Children in Delta State
A devastating cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of seven children in eight local government areas of Delta State, Nigeria. According to Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, the deaths are attributed to poor sanitary environments.
The outbreak has been declared a national challenge, and Dr. Onojaeme emphasized the importance of regular hand washing, drinking potable water, and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment to prevent the spread of the disease.
Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through the consumption of infected water and food, resulting in watery stool, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Dr. Onojaeme noted that patients are not quarantined due to the disease being non-airborne.
“The incubation period of cholera is 12 days, during which a symptomless victim can still spread the disease to others,” Dr. Onojaeme explained. “However, regular habits of hygiene can help contain it.”
The state government has reportedly taken adequate measures to respond to the challenge through the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry. The Commissioner for Health assured that efforts are being made to curtail the outbreak on all sides.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, urged residents to support the government in its efforts to defeat the scourge, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to tackling the outbreak.
The tragic loss of these seven young lives serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health and sanitation to prevent the spread of such devastating diseases.
