Diarrhea Claims 17 Lives In Anambra

The latest outbreak of diarrhea in the Anambra West local government area of Anambra State, have claimed the lives of 17 persons.

According to The Nation, the affected communities included Igbedor, Nzam, Umuenwenum Anam and Ode.

Nine persons were said to have died in Igbedor community, three in Nzam, while three and two others lost their lives in Umuenwelum and Ode communities respectively.

Dr. Joe Akabuike, the Commissioner for Health, who led delegation to the affected community, however said the death recorded in the area was not that of cholera outbreak as being speculated.

He attributed the outbreak to the recent flooding disaster experienced in the area that left most buildings and farmlands in the area submerged.

The commissioner lambasted the people of the area for shunning health facilities in the area, but rather patronizing local medicines and herbalists.

He said, “What we have in Anambra West is not cholera outbreak as being speculated. What we have is diarrhea disease that usually occur after flooding, characterized by vomiting and other signs but what is important to us is not necessarily the name but worried that people are dying.

“We are here to tell them that this is a pure environmental challenge. I am here with a complete team and lots of drug and the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has really approved money to make sure we arrest any further death on this.

“They should maintain personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly. They die because they seek solution where it will never come from.”

He however assured that arrangements were being made to ensure more drugs were sent to them as well as immediate construction of borehole to solve their water needs.