Cholera kills 20 in Bayelsa communities
                             
                                     

No fewer than 20 persons have lost their lives in Bayelsa State as cholera outbreak hits two local government areas of the state.

The local government areas so far affected by the epidemic are Sagbama and Southern Ijaw, where children and women were said to be the most hit.

It was learnt on Sunday that fear had gripped the affected communities following the spread of the disease.

It was further learnt that over eight persons were killed by the disease in two communities of Osiama and Ekede in Sagbama, the local government of Governor Seriake Dickson.

Twelve other people were said to have been killed by the disease in Southern Ijaw, the local council of the Bayelsa House of Assembly Speaker, Kombowei Benson.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ayiabatonye Owei, was said to have visited the communities following the panic caused by the epidemic.

It was also learnt that most of the victims died on Tuesday and Friday and were immediately buried by their families and loved ones.

A community leader, who did not want his name mentioned, said the deceased persons vomited and defecated frequently before they died.

The leader further called on the government and other relevant agencies to provide potable water to the affected communities.

When contacted, Owei described the outbreak as “stale.”

The commissioner said, “The outbreak was reported two weeks ago and our ministry immediately swung into action to effectively curtail it.

“And it is not true that the record of death is 20. An official statement from the ministry will soon be made available.”

source:punchnews