The Bayelsa State Government has confirmed the outbreak of cholera in Ofoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.
Briefing newsmen after the weekly State Executive Council meeting which was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele, said five persons have been confirmed dead as a result of the disease.
He said about 22 cases of cholera had been reported in the area, adding that it is an emergency situation that needs emergency response and so a team of experts have been mobilized to the community.
“We have received a report of an outbreak of cholera in one of our communities, Ofoni to be precise, in Sagbama LGA. Samples have been taken and test confirmed that we have about 22 line listed cases already and we have lost five persons.
“It is an emergency situation that needs emergency response. The ministry has set up the rapid response team to move into Ofoni community.
“I spoke with the country representative of World Health Organisation (WHO) for some support and we are hoping that in the next 24 hours we will be getting support from the WHO and the UNICEF”.
He urged the people of the community to be mindful of the source of their water since cholera is a water borne disease.
“For now, I know it is quite worrisome. Within the next 24 hours, we will be able to handle and curb the situation to prevent further spread of the bacteria,’’ he said.
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