A cholera outbreak has claimed the lives of at least nine individuals across two local government areas of Rivers State, the state government confirmed on Thursday. Health authorities have issued urgent warnings as 41 suspected cases of the deadly disease have been reported in the affected regions.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, disclosed the tragic details during a press briefing in Port Harcourt. She identified the two hardest-hit areas as Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas (LGAs). In Andoni, three deaths were recorded, while six fatalities were confirmed in Akuku-Toru.
Dr. Oreh, while expressing deep condolences to the families of the victims, clarified that health officials have not yet officially confirmed cholera as the cause of death. However, preliminary investigations suggest the deaths were due to the symptoms consistent with acute watery diarrhea, a hallmark of cholera infections.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives in these communities, and our thoughts are with the families,” Dr. Oreh said. “The symptoms of the cases reported closely align with the case definition of cholera, although we are still awaiting laboratory confirmation.”
Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated food or water. It thrives in areas where sanitation and hygiene are compromised. The Ministry of Health has emphasized that cholera outbreaks are not uncommon in the region, especially during the dry season.
As of January 13, 2025, the state has recorded a total of 41 suspected cases, with nine confirmed fatalities. The spike in cases prompted a rapid response from the Rivers State Health Emergency Operation Centre, which mobilized a team to the affected communities. On January 11, the first alarm was raised when three deaths occurred within a span of 48 hours in Isiodun, a community in Andoni.
“Once the deaths were reported, we swiftly mobilized our response team to assess the situation and implement immediate containment measures,” Dr. Oreh explained. “Our primary focus is to halt the spread of this disease and ensure that no more lives are lost.”
The state has initiated a series of emergency measures, including enhanced surveillance, rapid case detection, and the deployment of medical personnel to the affected areas. Healthcare facilities in Andoni and Akuku-Toru LGAs have been provided with vital resources, such as oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids, and essential medications.
Dr. Oreh highlighted that the government’s focus is on both prevention and treatment. She emphasized the need for the public to practice stringent hygiene measures, including washing hands frequently with soap and clean water, particularly before meals and after using the toilet. Additionally, she urged residents to boil or chlorinate their drinking water and avoid consuming food from unreliable sources.
“The best prevention against cholera is ensuring food hygiene and water safety,” Dr. Oreh stressed. “We are urging residents to be extra cautious and to follow these guidelines, which can significantly reduce the chances of infection.”
The Ministry of Health has also partnered with local authorities in Andoni and Akuku-Toru to strengthen disease surveillance and provide public education on preventive measures. Mobile health teams, including doctors and nurses, have been deployed to assist in the containment efforts.
“We are focusing on communities that are most at risk,” Dr. Oreh added. “Cholera outbreaks are often linked to poor sanitation, and we are actively working to improve access to clean water and better sanitation facilities in these areas.”
Rivers State has a history of recurrent cholera outbreaks, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where infrastructure is underdeveloped. The dry season is often a trigger for outbreaks, as it exacerbates the challenges related to water supply and sanitation.
Health experts have long warned that the state’s susceptibility to waterborne diseases remains a significant public health challenge. Cholera outbreaks, like the one currently unfolding, can spread rapidly in densely populated areas with inadequate water treatment and waste disposal systems.
As part of the state government’s ongoing response, a multi-sectoral approach has been adopted, which includes collaboration with non-governmental organizations and international health agencies. These efforts aim to strengthen disease control measures and enhance community resilience against future outbreaks.
In addition to healthcare interventions, the state is also launching a public awareness campaign to educate residents on the importance of basic hygiene practices, safe food preparation, and water treatment.
Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to report any cases of watery diarrhea to the nearest health facility. Community leaders have been enlisted to assist in spreading awareness about the symptoms of cholera and the need for immediate medical attention.
Local health workers are also focusing on early case detection, which is critical in preventing further loss of life. The government is providing free treatment to those affected, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
Rivers State has faced multiple public health challenges in recent years, with cholera being one of the most recurrent threats. The state’s ability to quickly mobilize resources and deploy response teams to combat the disease will be critical in minimizing further casualties.
Experts also point to the need for long-term solutions, including investments in clean water infrastructure, sanitation, and community-based health education, as essential measures for preventing future outbreaks.
