Cholera Claims 30 Lives In The Oil Rich Delta State's Isoko South Community In Nigeria

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, and can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. At least 30 people have been killed in the latest cholera outbreak in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta state's Isoko South community, revealed a health official. People of the local community had been facing challenges of cholera disease since 2010, when their main source of drinking water was polluted.

Steven Ofili, chief epidemiologist at the Delta state health ministry, said, "Prompt response and physical attention of health workers had curbed the spread of the disease. Rather than seeking medical help at the local health center, the people resorted to traditional medicines and self-medication to cure themselves. It was not until after the disease had claimed five lives that they (the local residents) brought it to the knowledge of the local authorities."

Confirmed cases of cholera were promptly being treated at the local health facility. In 2010, more than 30 people had died from cholera when the first outbreak was recorded following the pollution of the main source of water supply in the same area of Delta state.

Source: Medindia