By Patrick Ochei
Delta State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme has described Cholera as a disease of poor sanitary environment, maintaining that its outbreak is a national challenge.
He made this statement at a press conference organized by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza to enable the Health Commissioner give update on the interventions of the State Government to the Press.
Dr Onojaeme while giving an update on the epidemic, said the first outbreak was in mid February at Warri South-West LGA with seven deaths, majorly children before the second and third outbreaks, thereby bringing the number of local government areas with cases of outbreaks to eight.
He further said that Cholera is a bacteria infection spread by the consumption of infected water and food; and results in watery stool, dehydration and electrolyte.
The Health Commissioner affirmed that the State Government's intervention is adequate, but however, advised on the need for regular hand washing, intake of potable water and maintenance of clean and hygienic environment.
According to him, "We have done so much to respond to the challenge with a view to controlling it through the Epidemiology unit of the Health Ministry. We don't quarantine Cholera patients because the disease is not airborne, but we treat victims and advise them to avoid the risk factors.
"We are continuing our control process with adequate advocacy. Cholera is a national outbreak which gives the intervention approach a national importance. So, we are doing our best to curtail it on all sides", the Commissioner said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza had said that due to the tight schedule of the Commissioner for Health, it would be difficult for him to address the concerns of every journalist individually, hence the need for the press conference to enable him give a comprehensive update on the Cholera outbreak to the public.
He therefore, urged all and sundry to support the effort of Government to achieve a holistic result in terms of defeating the scourge.
Cholera has a 12 days incubation period, and within this period, a victim that is without a symptom can still spread it to others. However, regular habit of hygiene can help to contain it.