Community sources in Ekureku, Abi Local Government Area, say more than 27 people are feared dead and a little over 40 remain in critical condition at the Eja Memorial Hospital, Itigidi, after a suspected Cholera outbreak, hit Ekureku, www.calitown.com can reveal.
Worse hit are the Ekureku communities of Ngarabe, Akarefo, Agbara, Eminekpon, Anong Ekureku, Akarefo-Ezeke and adjoining communities. The situation is presently very pathetic as families mourn their dead, often without having to take part in the burial proper for fear of contracting Cholera.
“We suspect that this disease was contracted from our neighbours in Ebonyi, who have had a few Cholera outbreaks. You know because of our proximity to them and constant interactions, this unfortunate lot has befallen our people and we are crying out so that help can reach us fast enough before this thing wipes out our community”, we were told.
Health centres in the community have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients who have trooped there with several other patients being transported to the General Hospital in Ugep and other health care facilities in Ugep.
Janet Ekpenyong, Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, CRSPHCDA, was not immediately available for comments, but staff in her office confirmed that they have been alerted to the outbreak. We also gathered that a team from the World Health Organization, WHO, is visiting to area to access the health situation on ground in the area.
