Enugu State Government has confirmed the outbreak of cholera at the New Artisan Market in the state’s capital.
The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Emmanuel Obi, made the disclosure in a statement in Enugu on Saturday, said that the outbreak had so far claimed seven lives.
He further said that 19 other persons have been discovered to be infected with the disease at the market.
While noting that the infected persons have been evacuated to hospital for treatment, he said the government ia doing everything possible to stem the spread of the disease.
“Following the death, 19 sick persons were identified with the symptoms of loose stool and vomiting and they are new at the ESUT teaching hospital (Parkelane ) for treatment, ” he said.
He said that health education on safe and hygienic practices were given to the inhabitants of the market.
According to the Health Commissioner, “further tests carried out by the State Ministry of Health at the Teaching Hospital revealed that all the persons were suffering from Cholera.
“Samples were collected for further confirmatory tests of this finding.
“Surveillance, contact tracing and risk assessment have commenced at the market and its environment.”
He noted that Enugu State Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Centre for Cholera outbreak response have been activated.
While enjoining the public to keep safe and remain calm as the situation is under control, he said that the ministry will keep the public informed on future development.
The commissioner explained that Cholera is an infection caused by some strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and the risk factors are from poor sanitation and contaminated drinking water.
“The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea that lasts a few days, vomiting and muscle cramps may also occur as the symptoms range from none, to mild and to severe.
“Diarrhea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even death.
“The symptoms start two hours to five days after exposure.
It is prevented by improvements in sanitation, use of clean water, hand washing and vaccines,” he said.
He said that the treatment involves replacement of lost body fluids orally or intravenously, zinc supplementation and antibiotics.
