By Ann Ngbea
Cholera outbreak has claimed three lives in Obagaji, Agatu
Local Government Area in Benue State.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Joseph Ngbea, who confirmed this recently, said 25 persons have been successfully managed of the ailment and discharged, while 17 were on admission.
According to him, medical facilities around the areas have started receiving cases of vomiting and stooling about two weeks ago, which
was later confirmed to be cholera.
The Health Commissioner said, so far, the State Ministry of Health and Human Services has sent a consignment of about N1.6 million,
comprising drugs and other consumables.
He said the Country Director of ActionAid, Mrs Ene Obi has already deployed its team to Agatu for emergency response, adding that the ministry was also liaising with that of Water Resources and Environment, to
provide water to the area, since the disease was water borne.
Commenting, State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr
Richard Audu, said the agency was aware of the outbreak and has
mobilised its Community Mobilisation Officers (COMOS), to parts of
the LGA to enlighten people on the need to maintain basic hygiene practices of washing their hands regularly and keeping
their environment clean.
Mr Audu warned people to avoid drying foodstuff by the roadside to prevent them from being contaminated and encouraged
the people to ensure their potable water was clean and purified.
