The Eastern Obolo Local Government Area’s fishing town of Emeroke has seen a few cholera cases with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Akwa Ibom State Government.
This was said in a statement made on Sunday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by Dr. Patrick Essiet, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.
In order to start educating the public about ways to control the outbreak, Essiet revealed that the state epidemiologist had already been sent to the community.
Health officials had also visited a secondary health facility in the state to determine the precise number of cases caused by the disease.
“The Ministry of Health hereby advises members of the community and the environs that as an immediate intervention, proper hand washing should be done, especially after defecation, that drinking water should be boiled before consumption, and all persons with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should seek immediate treatment at the nearest health facility.
“Furthermore, the Ministry reminds community leaders to enforce the existing ban on open defecation by the government.
“While the State Government is working on a long-term solution, the Ministry is currently mobilising supplies to the community as an immediate and short-term measure,” the statement said.
It recommended that the public notify the Ministry of Health’s public health director of any suspected cholera cases.