At least 11 people have been confirmed dead following a recent cholera outbreak in Ndibokote village, located in the Ezza-Inyimagu area of the Agbaja Autonomous Community in Ebonyi State.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, reported that over 20 others have been hospitalized with suspected cholera infections. The affected individuals were swiftly transported to three local hospitals through the collaborative efforts of the state government, local authorities, and health partners.

The facilities providing treatment include Sudan United Mission Hospital in Onuenyim Agbaja, Sudan United Mission Hospital in Izziogo, and Izziogo Health Centre.

Dr. Ekuma attributed the outbreak to poor hygiene practices and urged residents to improve their sanitation habits, such as eliminating open defecation, regularly washing hands, covering food, and ensuring access to clean drinking water.

He encouraged anyone experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital.

The Ministry received reports of the outbreak on Wednesday morning and quickly deployed a team of medical professionals, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, to the affected area.

“We have sufficient medication to treat those infected. We also plan to establish an additional health center in the community for better access, and we have arranged for vehicles and motorcycles to facilitate the transport of suspected cases to hospitals,” he added.

In response to the situation, Barr. Stephen Nwankpa, chairman of the Izzi local government area council, expressed gratitude to the state government for its prompt action, noting that it has helped save many lives.