Abia Community Calls For Government Intervention As Cholera Kills 3 | READ MORE

Cholera outbreak has killed at least three persons and left over sixteen persons hospitalized in Amaogwugwu community in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia state.

This was disclosed to newsmen by the President General of the community, Mr. Kelechi Uwaoma. According to him, two persons died in their homes while one died in the community health center as a result of the Cholera outbreak suspected to have emanated from the contamination of the Ikwu river which is the only source of water in the community.

“We have directed that the affected persons be treated at no cost and residents should immediately report suspected cases to the health facility.

“We have intensified sensitization of the people on ways of preventing further spread which includes keeping the environment clean, drinking of clean water, and safe preservation of food items” he said.

He noted that officials of the state ministry of health, World Health Organisation, and other interventionist agencies have visited the community and have donated drugs to the community health center.

On the other hand, a native of the village Chief Uche Aguoru, regretted that the people have been left with the Ikwu river as the only source of water as efforts made to drill boreholes have failed repeatedly for years as a result of the soil topography.

Aguoru called on the government to revive the greater Okpara water scheme which in the 70’s and 80’s provided safe and clean potable water for the people of Ohuhu while urging other agencies to help the people arrest the situation.

Confirming the cholera outbreak, the commissioner for Health in Abia state Dr. Joe Osuji, said they have deployed officials and drugs to the community so as to help stabilize affected persons and are also monitoring the situation.