Cholera: Death toll from suspected cases in Cross River ‘rises to 51’

The death toll from an outbreak suspected to be linked to cholera in Ekeureku community in Abi LGA of Cross River has reportedly risen to 51.

According to NAN, Bernard Egbe, clan head of the community, said this on Monday when he received Sandy Onor, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who visited the community.

TheCable had reported how over 20 persons died following a suspected cholera outbreak in 10 villages in the community.

The state government said it had subsequently deployed health personnel and response materials to the LGA.

Speaking on Monday, the clan head said many infected persons were receiving treatment at various health facilities in the area, with four in critical condition.

He added that the LGA has been receiving support from World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), and the state government.

Meanwhile, the Cross River ministry of health has confirmed another disease outbreak in a remote area of Odukpani LGA, near Calabar, the state capital.

Iwara Iwara, the state permanent secretary in the ministry of health, told NAN that the outbreak was first reported on Sunday night, but no casualty had been reported.

“It is true that an outbreak has been reported in a remote village of Odukpani and we are already on top of the situation,” Iwara said.

“It was first reported last night and very early this morning, we deployed human and material resources to the place.”