Cholera outbreak kills 30 persons in Delta State

No fewer than 30 persons in two coastal communities of Bomadi and Burutu in Delta State, have died following a cholera outbreak in the last two weeks.

It was gathered that many residents, mainly children, have been infected by the water-borne disease in the two local government areas.

Residents are reportedly anxious about the growing number of infected persons who have thronged public hospitals and health centres in the area.

The recent cholera outbreak is coming on the heels of a yellow fever outbreak in some communities in the state even as the COVID-19 pandemic still rages.

A source in the ministry said that the casualty figures was well below 20, adding that over 150 cases have been recorded since last week.

The health ministry source, however, said that collation of new cases and necessary analysis of samples collected from the patients was ongoing.

Tuomo, Tamigbe and Gberegolor communities in Bomadi LGA were the worst hit as several victims died before reaching hospital.

Charles Ebiye, a resident, lamented: “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 the cause of this cholera.”

He further lamented the fact that the state government was yet to put into use the multi-million naira water scheme it constructed in the area years after.

Delta Health Commissioner, Dr Ononye Mordi, attributed the cholera outbreak to poor hygiene among the residents including drinking water with high iron content and highly polluted by poor sanitary habits.

Ononye, however, assured that efforts were being made to activate the water project in the area soon.

Mordi expressed optimism that the situation would soon be put under control as a medical team was working round the clock while vaccination of the residents had commenced. [Nation]

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