CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN ETTE COMMUNITY: AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Voice of the people -

 

 In recent days, the Ette community in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State has been hit by an outbreak of cholera—a highly infectious disease that spreads through contaminated water and food. As a frontline healthcare provider at Elitecare Clinic and Maternity, I personally witnessed and managed five confirmed cases of cholera within our facility.


These patients came in with typical symptoms: profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and signs of moderate to severe dehydration. Immediate intervention using Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and intravenous fluids stabilized their conditions, and all five are currently recovering well.



WHAT IS CHOLERA?


Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is life-threatening but preventable and treatable if managed early. The disease can cause rapid loss of body fluids, leading to shock or death if not treated promptly.



SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR


Sudden, painless watery diarrhoea (often called “rice water stool”)


Vomiting


Muscle cramps


Sunken eyes, dry mouth, low urine output


Severe dehydration


Weak pulse or unconsciousness in critical cases



LIKELY CAUSES IN OUR COMMUNITY


Drinking water from unprotected sources like ponds or shallow wells


Poor sanitation and open defecation


Poor food handling and lack of hand hygiene


Waste materials dumped near water sources



MY OBSERVATION DURING TREATMENT


Most of the cases presented late due to ignorance or fear


Families did not recognize early signs of dehydration


Community members lacked access to clean water and ORS at home


Patients responded well to early rehydration therapy and supportive care



HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY


✅ Ensure Safe Drinking Water


Boil water or use water treatment tablets


Store water in clean, covered containers


Avoid drinking from unprotected streams or ponds



✅ Practice Good Hygiene


Wash your hands regularly with soap and water


Especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food


Cut fingernails short and keep them clean



✅ Keep Food Safe


Eat only freshly cooked meals


Wash fruits and vegetables properly


Keep flies away from food



✅ Improve Sanitation


Use proper toilet facilities


Avoid open defecation around homes and farms


Dispose of faeces and household waste properly



✅ Respond Quickly


If anyone develops sudden diarrhoea or vomiting, start ORS immediately


Bring them to a health facility like Elitecare Clinic as quickly as possible


Do not wait until the person becomes too weak



COMMUNITY ACTION IS NEEDED


We must work together:


Report suspected cases to nearby clinics or health officials


Help clean up water sources and surroundings


Demand government support for clean water and sanitation



CONCLUSION


The cholera outbreak in Ette is real, and as someone who has managed five cases personally, I can confirm that early action saves lives. With proper hygiene, clean water, quick treatment, and community cooperation, we can prevent further spread and protect our families.


Let us not wait for more deaths before we act.

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