Rivers state, Nigeria has confirmed its first cholera outbreak of the year, claiming nine deaths.
Rivers State officials confirmed three deaths in Andoni and six in Akuku-Toru local government areas.
Authorities are monitoring 41 suspected cases across both regions, the Premium Times reported.
The commissioner for health, Rivers state remarked, “Rivers is particularly prone to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea and cholera during the dry seasons”.
The commissioner, Ada Oreh emphasized that cholera bacteria spread through contaminated water, food, and surfaces, thriving in areas with inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
In October 2024, Nigeria received 600,000 additional doses of the cholera vaccine to contain an outbreak in northeastern Borno State caused by devastating floods. Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 29, 2024, Nigeria reported around 11,000 suspected cases and 359 deaths across 36 states, according to the WHO.
Angola is also experiencing a cholera outbreak, with 422 cases and 24 deaths reported since Jan. 5, according to the country’s Health Ministry.(With Agency Report)
