Three persons have reportedly died of Cholera in the Amaogwugwu community, Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to the President-General of the community, Mr. Kelechi Uwaoma, two died in their homes while one died in the community health centre.
Uwaoma added that over 16 persons are hospitalised and receiving treatment at the health centre and other health facilities in Umuahia, the State capital.
Others, who recovered, have been discharged, he said.
He explained that officials of the State Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other interventionist agencies visited the community and donated drugs to its health centre.
Uwaoma blamed the outbreak on suspected contamination of the Ikwu River, the community’s only water source.
“We have directed that the affected persons be treated at no cost and residents should immediately report suspected cases to the health facility,” Uwaoma added.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Osuji, reportedly said his ministry is currently monitoring the situation, and has deployed officials and drugs to the community to stabilize affected persons.
He promised to visit the community with the epidemiology team.
A resident of the village Chief Uche Aguoru, said they drink water from the Ikwu River due to the non-availability of pipe-borne water.