RSG Battles Cholera At Opobo …6 Lives Lost In 5 Communities

Rivers State Government has made swift moves to arrest an outbreak of cholera in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the state. Consequently, a high profile team and medical officials from the state Ministries of Health and Water Resources have visited the area to provide assistance and take water and soil samples for laboratory analysis.

Similarly, a medical doctor at the Opobo Comprehensive Health Centre, Dr Igbanibo Ibierele told reporters that the medical team in the area has tried to combat the epidemic. He stated that the casualty rate would have been higher if not for the quick intervention of the local council.

However, no fewer that six lives have been  lost to the epidemic. About five communities in the area are now counting their losses following reported cases of the epidemic in their vicinity. They include Queen Towns, Nkoro Town, Ekereborokiri, Kalama and Opobo main town.

Even with the conflicting statistics of how many people have lost their lives, official records reveal that about 68 cases have been referred to the Opobo Comprehensive Health Centre, where an emergency service unit has been set up to treat victims.

However, confirming the incident yesterday at Opobo Town, Vice chairman of the local council, Senibo Patrick Alapugberesika told newsmen that the council is only aware of about five deaths so far recorded, noting that government is ontop of the situation.

He revealed that the first case was reported on January 10 and that the disease was fast spreading to the satellite communities within the local government area.

Senibo Alapugberesika stated that the council was not resting on its oars.

Dr Ibierele disclosed that the local council has provided anti-biotics and cartons of salt/sugar solution for distribution to patients.

He disclosed that the medical centre has recorded 68 cases and can confirm about six deaths, ‘ outside those people that were taken elsewhere by their relations”.

According to residents of the area about 10 people may have died since the disease broke out a week ago.

Decrying the poor logistics and facilities to tackle the menace, the medical doctor called on the state government to provide more materials to aid medical personnel.

He warned  the people to be careful of their source of food and drinking water, adding “ anyplace you have an incident like this , the water is suspect.

It may not be the major source, which means the people need good, safe, potable water.

Dr Ibierele also harped on personal hygiene by residents especially after defecating and working, noting that the disease is highly contagious.