At least 10 people have died following a fresh cholera outbreak in Ndibokote village, Ezza-Inyimagu, Agbaja Autonomous Community, in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The outbreak, confirmed by the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, has also led to the hospitalization of over 20 other people.
Speaking to *The Nation* on Thursday, Ekuma revealed that the infected individuals were rushed to three hospitals in the area with the help of the State Government, local authorities, and health partners. The affected hospitals include Sudan United Mission Hospital, Onuenyim Agbaja, Sudan United Mission Hospital Izziogo, and Izziogo Health Centre.
Ekuma attributed the outbreak to poor hygiene practices in the community. He urged the residents to improve their sanitation by stopping open defecation, regularly washing their hands, covering food, and drinking clean water.
“The outbreak is due to unhygienic practices in the area. We are urging the people to adopt better hygiene habits to prevent further spread of the disease,” the Commissioner said.
The Chairman of Izzi Local Government, Stephen Nwankpa, thanked the State Government for its swift response, which helped save many lives.
One community member, Stephen Nwankpuma, linked the outbreak to a burial held last weekend, where attendees consumed food prepared in unsanitary conditions. He mentioned that some individuals also ate a dog killed in the area, and those who consumed the food or attended the burial were among the first to fall ill.
“There was a burial last week, and people ate a cow prepared in a dirty environment. The only water sources in the area, a pond and stream, are very dirty, especially now with the heavy rains carrying waste into the water,” Nwankpuma explained.
Cholera is a bacterial disease that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. It has been a recurring problem in Ebonyi for many years.
