Cholera outbreak in Rivers State, Kills 20, 171 infected
        

Cholera outbreak in Rivers State have killed 20 people and infected scores. The Commissioner for Health in Rivers, Dr Sampson Parker, on Wednesday said the outbreak was recorded in 11 communities in the State and had claimed 20 lives.

``So far, 171 cases have been recorded with 20 deaths in the outbreak which was reported on Jan. 5," he said, adding that the Local Government Area Rapid Response Team with State Emergency Response Team, have responded swiftly.

Parker also said two treatment centres had been opened in the affected communities to manage cases and advised affected people to access the centres.

``Emergency drugs and rehydration fluids have been provided for the management of cases‘’, he added.

Parker said the situation was pathetic and unbelievable but that the outbreak was under control as government had provided portable drinking water to the affected communities.

``What I have seen is pathetic and unbelievable. Our duty is to intervene quickly so that we do not lose more lives.

``I will say that the outbreak is under control now. All we need to do now is to treat the affected ones and to prevent further occurrences. We will continue to deploy to treat the affected ones.

``Government is also sending portable drinking water to the affected communities’’, he said.