Cholera Outbreak In Benue State Claims 11 Lives, 6 Critically Ill

A suspected cholera outbreak in the Apaogbozu community, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, has claimed 11 lives over the past four days. In addition, six more people are critically ill.

Dr Perpetual Okafor, the former secretary of Ado Local Government Council, made this known to journalists in Makurdi. She stated that the outbreak, which began just a few days ago, has rapidly escalated, resulting in multiple deaths each day.

“The first day that the cholera outbreak occurred, three deaths were recorded. Yesterday, about four persons also died and today, this evening, we have lost four persons again. Six others who went for church service since yesterday were caught in the web,” she said.

She lamented that the lack of resources has hindered efforts to provide medical care to those affected. She called on the Benue State government to urgently assist the community.

The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, confirmed the situation but stated that only one case had been officially reported as suspected cholera. He, however, assured that public health officials are conducting surveillance and collecting samples to verify the cause of the illness.

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