Cholera Kills 14 In Benue

The death toll of Cholera outbreak in parts of Benue State on Wednesday rose to 14.

An outbreak of the disease was first reported in Agatu Local Government Area of the state, where seven persons reportedly died.

Joseph Ngbea, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services,  in the state, who had confirmed the outbreak, told journalists on Wednesday at the end of the State Executive Council meeting in Makurdi, the state capital, that more deaths were recorded bringing the latest number to 14.

Ngbea noted that 10 of the victims died in Agatu local government, while the other four died at Abinsi in Guma local government, adding that 25 of the victims had been successfully treated.

“As we speak aside the medical personnel, we have also supplied consumables and drugs to the affected areas in line with the directive of Governor Samuel Ortom to ensure the speedy treatment of all those infected.

“The Governor has also directed the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) to provide additional 10 bed spaces to take care of those infected,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents of the state to compliment the efforts of the government by always getting their drinking water from safe sources, as well as ensuring proper treatment of the water before drinking to stem the disease.