The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a cholera outbreak in the fishing community of Emeroke in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, with cases presenting symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.
A statement from Dr Patrick Essiet, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, on Sunday confirmed the development.
Essiet explained that the state epidemiologist had already been sent to the community to initiate awareness campaigns on how to mitigate the outbreak. Health officials have also visited a secondary health facility to determine the exact number of cases.
The Ministry of Health has advised residents and surrounding communities to wash their hands thoroughly, particularly after defecation, to boil drinking water before consumption, and seek immediate medical treatment at the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting.
Additionally, the Ministry reminded community leaders to enforce the government’s ban on open defecation.
While a long-term solution is being developed, the Ministry is providing immediate supplies to the community.
The public is urged to report any suspected cholera cases to the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health.
