said that cholera outbreak in 11 communities in the state had claimed
20 lives.
Parker told newsmen in Port Harcourt after visiting the affected
communities in Andoni Local Government Area that the outbreak was
reported on Jan. 5.
"So far, 171 cases have been recorded with 20 deaths in the outbreak
which was reported on January 5.
"The Local Government Area Rapid Response Team with State Emergency
Response Team, have responded swiftly," he said.
Parker also said two treatment centres had been opened in the affected
communities to manage cases and advised affected people to access the
centres.
"Emergency drugs and rehydration fluids have been provided for the
management of cases," he added.
Parker said the situation was pathetic and unbelievable but that the
outbreak was under control as government had provided portable
drinking water to the affected communities.
"What I have seen is pathetic and unbelievable. Our duty is to
intervene quickly so that we do not lose more lives.
"I will say that the outbreak is under control now. All we need to do
now is to treat the affected ones and to prevent further occurrences.
We will continue to deploy to treat the affected ones.
"Government is also sending portable drinking water to the affected
communities," he said.
Dr Akinloye Makinde, Chief Consultant Epidemiologist, Federal Ministry
of Health, said the ministry sent him to assess the situation.
"The Federal Government is donating drugs and test kits to the State
Government to deploy to places in need," he said.
Dr Sylvester Malemi, World Health Organisation Coordinator for Rivers,
said it would provide technical support to Rivers to check the
outbreak.
"We are here to investigate the outbreak, confirm that there is
actually cholera, mobilise resources from partners, federal and state
ministries of health to stop the outbreak," he said.
He advised the people to boil their water before drinking and maintain
good hygiene
--PMNews
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