By Peter Okutu

A recent cholera outbreak in Ndibokote village, Ezza Inyimagu, Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, has resulted in the loss of 11 lives, including men, women, and children.

The outbreak, which began on September 23, 2024, has also claimed the life of a nursing mother, leaving behind her 9-month-old baby.

Response Efforts

The Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, confirmed the outbreak and reported that 9-10 deaths have been recorded, with 20 affected individuals responding to treatment. To combat the outbreak, three treatment centers have been established in the area:

Iziogo Health Center

Sudan Mission

Onuenyim and Ndibokote village

Dr. Ekuma advised residents to seek immediate medical attention at these centers if they experience symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Causes of the Outbreak

The Director, Public Health, Dr. Hyacinth Ebenyi, attributed the outbreak to open defecation, poor hygiene, and the burial of a woman suspected to have died from cholera. The affected community relies on streams for drinking water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Community Response

Elder Stephen Nwankpuma, a community stakeholder, reported that he alerted authorities, leading to swift government intervention.

However, some community members expressed frustration over the delayed response from local government officials, stating that prompt action could have reduced the number of deaths.

The State Government, with support from development partners like WHO and UNICEF, is working to control the outbreak. The Epidemiology Unit in the Public Health Department has also constituted a cholera response team to address the situation.