Victor EzejaNo fewer than 17 persons have been confirmed dead, following an outbreak of Cholera in Akahufu and Ochokwu communities, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
This was revealed by Member, representing Ezza South and Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, recently during his visit to the affected area with some drugs he procured in partnership with the Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team (AMURT) in the State.
The Lawmaker represented by Dr Chukwu Okwudili of Nnamdi Azikiwe University said that 11 people died at Akahufu while six died at Ochokwu community.
He, however, called on the State Government to come to the aid of the affected communities, to contain the disease and prevent more deaths.
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Cholera according to WHO, is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.
Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water. Cholera affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated.
Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 1-10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.
Among people who developed symptoms following the Cholera outbreak in Ebonyi, the majority have mild or moderate symptoms, while a minority develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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