Izzi (Ebonyi) – Nigeria – Mr Steven Nwankpa, Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area (LGA), has warned the people of Ndibokote Ezzainyimegu community to desist from open defecation as the death toll in cholera disease has risen to 15 in Ebonyi.
Nwankpa gave the warning on Friday when he monitored the affected community and the ensuing sensitisation exercise in the area.
The council boss also warned the people against unhygiene lifestyle.
“The number of death has risen to 15 since Wednesday when the disease broke out in that village,” he explained.
Nwankpa described the incident as shocking and appealed to residents of the area to avoid holding ceremonial burial to any deceased person until the surge is put to rest.
“Ensure that you maintain proper personal hygiene,” he added.
The state Commissioner for Health, Mr Moses Ekuma, who confirmed the rising cases, said that three emergency centers have been designated for the treatment of victims.
Mr Stephen Nwamkpuma, a stakeholder from the community, linked the outbreak to some members of the community who brought home some pieces of beef from a burial ceremony.
“After eating the meat, the people started vomiting and this resulted in the spread of the disease,” Nwamkpuma added.
