Akwa Ibom State has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in the Emeroke community, located in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, following reports of several cases displaying symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. Some fatalities have been reported.
Health officials have visited a secondary health facility in the state to assess the situation and determine the exact number of cases. Patrick Essiet, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, confirmed the outbreak in a statement and stated that the State Epidemiologist has been dispatched to the affected community to begin an awareness campaign on preventive measures.
To mitigate the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health has issued immediate health recommendations. These include the importance of proper handwashing, particularly after defecation, and the boiling of drinking water before consumption. The Ministry also urges individuals showing symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting to seek medical attention immediately at the nearest health facility.
Additionally, the Ministry has called on community leaders to enforce the government’s existing ban on open defecation. While the state government is exploring long-term solutions, it is currently mobilizing supplies to the affected area as part of short-term intervention efforts.
The public is encouraged to report any suspected cholera cases to the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health.
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