Seven children have lost their lives to cholera outbreak in eight local government areas in Delta State.
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this on Tuesday in Asaba, blaming the deaths on poor sanitary environment.
Noting that the outbreak is a national challenge, he spoke of the need for regular hand washing, drinking of potable water and maintenance of clean and hygienic environment.
He explained that cholera is a bacteria infection spread by the consumption of infected water and food; and results in watery stool, dehydration and electrolyte.
The health commissioner affirmed that the state government’s intervention is adequate, but noted that patients were not quarantine patients because the disease is not airborne.
“Cholera has a 12 days incubation period, and within this period, a victim that is without a symptom can still spread it to others. However, regular habit of hygiene can help to contain it.
“We have done so much to respond to the challenge with a view to controlling it through the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry.
“We are continuing our control process with adequate advocacy. Cholera is a national outbreak which gives the intervention approach a national importance. So, we are doing our best to curtail it on all sides,” the commissioner said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza had said that the press conference was to enable his colleague give a comprehensive update on the cholera outbreak to the public.
He urged residents to support the government to achieve a holistic result in terms of defeating the scourge.
