A suspected cholera outbreak in Nembe-Ogbolomabiri, Bayelsa State, has claimed 18 lives, according to community sources. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has confirmed nine deaths linked to a suspected cholera outbreak in two local government areas.
The Bayelsa Outbreak
The outbreak in Nembe reportedly began on December 10, 2024, but the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health has yet to publicly acknowledge the situation.
Community and Health Worker Reports
Residents and health officials have raised concerns about the outbreak. A member of the Bayelsa State Health Management Board stated that tests confirmed a cholera outbreak, but the government is hesitant to make an official declaration, referring to the situation as “gastroenteritis.”
According to BANGOF Chairman, Mr. Taritein Boco, the outbreak has affected Nembe-Ogbolomabiri, Bassambiri, Nembe Creek, and nearby communities. As of early January, at least 15 deaths had been recorded, with medical facilities overwhelmed by cases.
Boco said, “The state government is in denial that this is cholera. While stool samples were taken for analysis, results have yet to be released 168 hours after collection, despite an expected timeline of 72 hours.”
Community sources report that medical supplies sent to the area have been grossly inadequate, and many patients are still receiving treatment.
Government Response
The Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, however, has denied any deaths resulting from cholera. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, stated that patients with gastrointestinal illnesses are receiving treatment and that “urgent intervention measures” are in place.
Brisibe said, “We are confident that with these measures, there will be no further mortalities, and the epidemic will be curtailed.”
The Rivers State Outbreak
In Rivers State, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, confirmed nine deaths and 41 suspected cholera cases in Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
Impact and Response
- Andoni recorded three deaths, while Akuku-Toru reported six fatalities.
- Oreh explained that the deaths followed symptoms consistent with cholera, though laboratory confirmation is pending.
- The state government has implemented measures to contain the outbreak, including public awareness campaigns and distribution of medical supplies.
Oreh urged residents to maintain high standards of hygiene, emphasizing the importance of avoiding contaminated food and water.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Cholera thrives in areas with poor water and sanitation infrastructure. In both Bayelsa and Rivers States, inadequate hygiene and limited access to clean water have been identified as contributing factors.
Call for Action
The outbreaks in Bayelsa and Rivers States highlight the urgent need for:
- Improved Sanitation and Hygiene Infrastructure: Addressing water contamination and ensuring proper waste disposal.
- Rapid Government Response: Promptly acknowledging outbreaks and providing adequate medical supplies to affected areas.
- Community Education: Raising awareness about cholera prevention and symptoms to encourage early reporting of cases.
- Enhanced Surveillance Systems: Strengthening public health monitoring to detect and respond to outbreaks quickly.
Ongoing Concerns
The delayed acknowledgment and response by the Bayelsa State Government have drawn criticism from stakeholders. Community leaders and health experts argue that playing politics with public health could worsen the situation and lead to more fatalities.
Meanwhile, in Rivers State, the proactive confirmation of the outbreak and implementation of control measures offer hope for containing the disease.
As both states grapple with these health crises, it remains imperative for governments at all levels to prioritize public health and address the root causes of these recurring outbreaks.
