Concerns have been raised over an outbreak of cholera in Enugu State, which the state Ministry of Health has confirmed to have killed at least 10 people.
This was disclosed by the state director of medical services, Dr. Egwuonwu Samuel, in a letter addressed to the Guild of Medical Directors on behalf of the state’s commissioner for health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, on Monday in Enugu.
Egwuonwu’s letter conveyed the ministry’s formal alert and warning to the public of a cholera outbreak in the state , urging urgent action to stop the disease’s spread.
He hinted that the ministry disclosed alarming reports of several cholera cases, with an estimated 10 fatalities thus far, adding that the State Ministry of Health and its partners had begun efforts to contain the outbreak.
“Health facilities and medical personnel are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance for patients presenting with symptoms such as acute diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
“We are calling for urgent implementation of heightened infection prevention and control (IPC) measures across medical establishments to curb the spread of the disease.
“Medical practitioners are urged to step up their precautionary measures and report any suspected cases promptly,” he said.
He added that “this outbreak raises significant public health concerns, as cholera is a highly infectious disease, often caused by contaminated water or food.
He added that the Ministry’s quick response is seen as a critical step in containing the outbreak and protecting the population from further harm while appealing to the public to adhere strictly to hygienic practices, including boiling water before drinking, washing hands frequently, and avoiding the consumption of poorly handled food.
He stressed that as the situation develops and attempts to contain the outbreak continue in coordination with regional and global health partners, the Enugu state government is anticipated to provide more guidance and updates.
