Ebonyi State Battles Cholera Outbreak with 28 Deaths and 386 Cases Reported

Ebonyi State has recorded 28 deaths and 386 cases following a cholera outbreak that began on September 24. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, disclosed these figures during a press conference at the General Hospital in Iboko, Izzi Local Government Area, where Governor’s wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, donated medical supplies.

Ekuma explained that most of the deaths occurred before the state’s emergency response team could be notified. He attributed the outbreak to factors such as contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper refuse disposal. In response, the state has established six treatment centers to help manage and contain the spread of the disease.

The donation by Mrs. Nwifuru, made through her initiative, the Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Foundation, included home purification tablets, hand sanitizers, intravenous infusions, and oral rehydration salts. These supplies aim to support the ongoing cholera treatment efforts.

Ekuma praised Governor Francis Nwifuru’s proactive measures to combat the outbreak. He emphasized that the state's health ministry is committed to further improving access to clean water and sanitation, crucial in preventing future outbreaks.

While delivering her donation, Mrs. Nwifuru expressed sympathy for the families affected by the outbreak. She highlighted the importance of understanding the root causes of cholera to prevent its spread in vulnerable communities.

“The sight of people suffering from cholera reminds us of the urgent need to protect our communities from infectious diseases,” she said.

Daniel Hernandis, Project Medical Referral of Doctors Without Borders, revealed that more than half of the cholera cases have been recorded in the Izzi Local Government Area. He also thanked the World Health Organization and healthcare workers for their vital support in controlling the epidemic.