Cholera outbreak kills 10 in Benue State

By TOR VANDE-ACKA, Makurdi

Benue State Government has confirmed about ten persons, mostly children, dead from the outbreak of the cholera disease in Agatu and Guma Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

While the state government confirmed seven persons dead in Obagaji, headquarters of Agatu LGA, it also confirmed that three children died from the disease at Abinsi, Guma LGA of the state.

INDEPENDENT gathered that another forty five persons, in all were treated for the ailment in the two LGAs of the state; twenty five of them were treated at Abinsi, while twenty others were treated in Obagaji.

INDEPENDENT further learnt that six other persons are currently undergoing treatment at the Primary Healthcare Centre at Abinsi for the ailment.

Confirming the outbreaks and subsequent death of the persons, State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Joseph Ngbea said that it was a few days ago that the state government identified the outbreak and has commenced efforts to check its spread.

According to him, “Yes, it (outbreak) is true. I personally visited the two places on Monday.

“On receipt of information of the outbreak, the Ministry dispatched a medical team led by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Terna Kur and the Incident Manager, Emergency Operation Centre, Dr. Terungwa Ngishie who went in and confirmed the outbreak after diagnosis.

“Over 20 persons were treated in Agatu and more than 25 treated at Abinsi; three children died of the disease at Abinsi and seven in Agatu, during the visit, we also provided medical consumables to the general hospital at Obagaji in Agatu LGA in response to the disease.”

Dr. Ngbea also pointed out that the state Governor, Samuel Ortom has released about N3.1 million for emergency response to the outbreak in the two LGAs.

He advised the people of the affected communities to maintain personal hygiene and also purify their water before drinking, as part of measures to curtail the spread of the disease.

INDEPENDENT gathered that among items made available for the treatment of affected patients, are Ringer lactate, IV cannula, adhesive plaster, ORS, water guard, syringes of various sizes, zinc tablet, caps doxycycline, Cypro tabs and cotton wool. (Daily Independent)