Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade
By Akpan David, Calabar
The Cross River State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Betta Edu has said they are handling the outbreak of cholera in Bakassi Local Government Area of the state.
She confirmed that it has so far affected nine persons.
Speaking over Sparkling FM radio station in Calabar, she said they are already containing the situation, although two persons have died as a result.
Edu blamed the situation on the poor hygiene situation amongst the people, cautioning against carefree attitude which could worsen it.
The commissioner pointed out that, “Open Defecation still being practised is another way of cholera prevalence. We have been able to mount campaigns which have helped stop open defecations in some local government councils.
“People should stop open defecation and practically emphasise on personal and environmental hygiene. This way, we would have seriously abated cholera in our state.’
Edu who is chairman of commissioners for health in the country also spoke at length about their efforts to reduce impact of COVID-19 variants in the state.
She disclosed how they had to interface with militants and others to be able to access the different creeks in the riverine communities to administer drugs and the jabs.
