Cross River Government Takes Swift Action Against Cholera Outbreak
In a proactive move to address the alarming cholera outbreak in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State, the government, led by His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu, has initiated robust measures to contain the situation in the affected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Obubura and Biase.
The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, conveyed this critical information during a concise briefing with journalists in Calabar. Dr. Ayuk revealed that one confirmed case was identified in Obubura, while two cases were reported in Biase. Disturbingly, recent investigations from early 2023 disclosed that over six individuals had succumbed to cholera in the Olulumo Community and Ofutop.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Ministry of Health activated an Emergency Operation Centre, appointing Dr. Blessing Ekpenyong, the State Epidemiologist, as the Incident Manager. This strategic move aims to coordinate efforts and ensure the effective safeguarding of the lives of those affected in the region.
To address the immediate needs of the affected population, the Surveillance Unit and Logistic Management Coordinating Unit of the state Ministry of Health are in the process of deploying response commodities, including drugs generously donated by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Dr. Ayuk highlighted the deployment of the Local Government Area’s Rapid Response Team to affected wards for case investigation and line listing of reported instances. This deployment is a crucial step towards containing the further spread of the disease.
In a plea to the public, Dr. Ayuk emphasized the importance of strict adherence to preventive measures. He urged residents to avoid consuming water indiscriminately, steer clear of unripe fruits, and exercise caution with contaminated foods. These precautions, he stressed, are vital in curbing the transmission of cholera within the community.
As the Cross River Government takes decisive steps to address this health crisis, the collaboration between health authorities, emergency response teams, and the public becomes paramount in mitigating the impact of the cholera outbreak and ensuring the well-being of the citizens in the affected areas. VOTP News will continue to provide updates on this evolving situation. At this point we Advise the public to ensure they stay away from contermnated water.
