Cholera outbreak: Kogi records eight deaths, 129 cases

Austin Ojotule, chief epidemiologist in Kogi, says the state has recorded eight deaths from cholera.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ojotule said the cases were recorded in seven communities across five LGAs of the state.

The epidemiologist said while a total of 129 cases have been confirmed, 66 persons have been infected, and that they are in terrains that cannot be reached easily.

He said the deaths occurred at home before reports got to the authorities.

“So far, local governments namely, Kogi, Bassa, Lokoja, Ankpa and Kabba Bunu have been affected between February and August, 2021,” the epidemiologist said.

“However, we were able to confirm cholera in three of the communities in Kogi, Lokoja and Ankpa LGAs with 66 persons affected and eight deaths (CFR=12.12%). These are border communities with hard to reach terrains.

“The state is working closely with the local government to avert further outbreaks by strengthening and sustaining community sensitisation and mobilisation.”

There have been reported cases of the infection across the country. Over 900 people have died of the infection so far in 2021.