By Kenneth Onuoha
365Daily – Three persons have died in Amachi – Igwebuike village in Agba community, Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi State, following a recent outbreak of cholera in the community.
Twelve other infected persons are responding to treatment at Agba General Hospital.
Acting Commissioner for Health, Dr Richard Nnabu, stated this after a visit to the affected community.
He noted that through the efforts of the state government, the situation has been brought under control.
Nnabu told journalists immediately after the visit of state epidemologist to the area that the twelve suspected cases are being handled at Agba General Hospital.
He said sensitisation and enlightenment have been given to the people of the area on how best to prevent the spread which include keeping the environment clean and hygienic, drinking clean water and good preservation of food items.
Dr Nnabu disclosed that the three deaths recorded were because of the refusal of the patients to go to hospital for treatment.
Dr. Nnabu directed that the patients and other cases that may occur should be treated free of charge.
He implored the people to report new cases to the nearest health facilities or go straight to the General Hospital where drugs have been provided for the treatment.
Some residents of the community blamed the outbreak on non availability of potable water.
They said they go as far as Onicha Local Government to get drinking water, while those who can’t travel the long distance resort to drinking dirty pond water.