Measles Outbreak Kills Over 50 In Rivers Communities

The disease was first reported in the Amurouttoru-Kugbo community and later spread to Emago-Kugbo and Akani-Kugbo communities, leading to the death of several children in the three communities, SaharaReporters learnt on Monday.

An outbreak of measles has reportedly killed over 50 children in Kugbo Clan of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The disease was first reported in the Amurouttoru-Kugbo community and later spread to Emago-Kugbo and Akani-Kugbo communities, leading to the death of several children in the three communities, SaharaReporters learnt on Monday.

Chairman of Emago Kugbo Community Development Committee, Levi Marcus, who spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt, on Monday confirmed the outbreak.

The PUNCH quoted Marcus to have stated in the interview that though they have reached out to the state government, they were yet to see any government intervention.

“We have a situation that is ravaging Okugbo Clan. That is to say, Emakgbo, Akani, and Akpotu. And the situation we are talking about is measles.

“In Akani-Okugbo, from what we witnessed and confirmed, 20 children have died. Then again, if you go to Amuruotoru, we also have the same situation. We have up to 15 recorded cases.

“We have tried our best to reach the government, but they (government) have not responded.”

Also speaking, the Youth Leader of the Emago-Kugbo community, Edoghotu Edwin, who said he visited other communities to ascertain the situation of things, appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the communities.

“The situation now is bad. Measles has taken over the community, and the children are suffering. Over 15 children have died in Emago.

“The situation has extended to Akani and Amuruotor. And we are calling on the government to come to our aid because there are no health workers to handle the situation,” he said.