By: Bayero Ade
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a cholera outbreak in Emeroke, a community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
According to Vanguard, Dr. Patrick Essiet, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, made this known in a statement on Sunday. He revealed that the State Epidemiologist had been dispatched to the community to conduct awareness campaigns on preventing the spread of the disease.
Dr. Essiet urged residents to prioritize proper hygiene, including regular handwashing after defecation, and to boil water before drinking. He also advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting to seek medical attention immediately at the nearest health facility.
“The Ministry also calls on community leaders to enforce the government’s prohibition of open defecation to curb the spread of cholera,” the statement read.
The government is mobilizing immediate relief supplies to assist the affected area while working on long-term solutions to address the crisis.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Eastern Obolo Local Government Council, Samuel Nteogwuijah, has pledged to support efforts to tackle the outbreak. During a visit to Emmanuel General Hospital in Eket on Sunday, alongside his wife and community leaders, he assured residents of a coordinated response to contain the disease.
“We are partnering with the state government and relevant agencies to ensure this outbreak is brought under control,” Nteogwuijah stated. He also expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for directing the Ministry of Health and other agencies to provide immediate assistance.
Health officials are currently assessing secondary health facilities in the state to determine the extent of the outbreak as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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