afrol News, 31 March - Nigeria's eastern Benue State has been struck by the worst cholera epidemic, which claimed at least 50 lives.

The fatal epidemic - officially confirmed on 26 March - had taken its tolls on the state's city, Madurdi and the town of Oturkpo. Cholera outbreaks in the areas were common in the past, but the current one is the first of its kind in terms of casualty.

Some 150 cases have so far been reported.

Health authorities said the outbreak caused by drinking contaminated river water. water from contaminated river.

With unreliable tap water supply, most residents in the affected areas have been forced to drink water from well, rivers and streams.

Though Benue State health authorities said they have been doing all they could to contain the epidemic, new patients continue to be admitted in the area's health facilities.

Cholera - an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacteria - has a short incubation period. It can easily lead to severe dehydration and death if it is not quickly treated.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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