At least 30 people have been killed in the latest cholera
outbreak in Isoko South community of Delta State, a health official said on
Monday.
Chief Epidemiologist at the Delta State Ministry Health, Steven Ofili,
said prompt response and physical attention of health workers had curbed the
spread of the disease.
According to him, people of the local community had been
facing challenges of cholera disease since 2010, when their main source of
drinking water was polluted. He said, rather than seeking medical help at the
local health centre, the people resorted to traditional medicines and
self-medication to cure themselves. “It was not until after the disease had
claimed five lives that they (the local residents) brought it to the knowledge
of the local authorities,” Ofili said.
Confirmed cases of cholera were
promptly treated at the local health facility. In 2010, more than 30 people had
died when the first cholera outbreak was recorded following the pollution of
the main source of water supply in the same area of Delta State. Cholera, an
infectious disease, causes severe watery diarrhea, can lead to dehydration and
even death if untreated.
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