The Enugu State Ministry of Health has recorded 19 infections and 7 deaths, in the New Artisan market due to cholera outbreak and they had been evacuated to the State Teaching Hospital, ESUT-Parklane, for treatment.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi, disclosed that the ministry had commenced surveillance, contact-tracing and risk assessment at the market and its environs, adding that Health Emergency Operations Centre for Cholera outbreak would be activated in response to stop further spread.
“The Enugu State Ministry of Health received reports of deaths occurring suddenly, after a short spell of illness, on Friday morning, around the New Artisan livestock market in Enugu, Enugu State.
“Upon immediate investigation by the Ministry of Health’s rapid response team, it was observed that the patients presented with sudden onset of passage of loose stool and vomiting.
“It was revealed that the illness had resulted in the death of seven persons and that subsequently, several others numbering about 19 were ill with the same symptoms of loose stools and vomiting.
“The ill persons identified within the area were immediately and safely evacuated to the State teaching hospital and are receiving treatment, while health education on safe and hygienic practices were given to the inhabitants of the market,” he added.
According to the Health Commissioner, “further tests carried out by the State Ministry of Health at the Teaching Hospital revealed that all the persons were suffering from Cholera.”
