At least 20 people have reportedly died of choleraoutbreak in seven local government areas of Ebonyi State.
The local government areas affected include Izzi, Ebonyi, Abakaliki, Ohaozara, Ebonyi, Ohaukwu, Ishielu and Ezza North.
The state Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr. Chris Achi, who disclosed this to newsmen, said the state government had taken measures to contain the spread of the disease.
Achi stated that one of the 10 undergraduates of the Ebonyi State University, affected by the disease had died.
The nine others and 15 students of Girls’ High School, Azuiyiokwu, who were also affected were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki for medical attention, he said.
He also disclosed that the disease was recorded in 12 Apostle College Sharon and Annunciation Schools, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki.
Achi explained that those who died resorted to self-medication, resulting in renal breakdown before being taken to hospitals for treatment.
He urged residents of the state to refrain from defecating indiscriminately around their vicinities and drinking contaminated water. He also advised those seeking accommodation to ensure they lived in houses with toilet facilities.
Achi enjoined the people to ensure personal hygiene and desist from eating food they were not sure of where it was prepared to avoid contracting the disease.
