Three people have reportedly died following a suspected cholera outbreak in the Isiodum community of Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The outbreak was discovered during a visit by a team from a multinational oil company inspecting a water rehabilitation project in the area. Former Andoni Local Government Chairman, Dr. Gogo-Ogute Isaiah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, identifying two of the deceased as Michael Agba and Abigail Rowland, who were from the same compound.
Dr. Isaiah stated that the victims experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea before succumbing to the illness on Friday. A third victim, Mrs. Ekenere Awaji Loveday, died on Saturday, while others, including Mrs. Amos Asitor, are in critical condition.
Isaiah expressed concern over the lack of access to medical care in the area, saying, *“Means to access medical attention in the area is nearly impossible.”*
When contacted, the media aide to the State Commissioner for Health, Ednah Alete, said the ministry had yet to confirm the outbreak. She explained that the confirmation process involves sending a team to the affected community to collect samples for testing.
Efforts are ongoing to manage the situation as health authorities work to determine the cause of the outbreak.
