by Oge Okonkwo

There has been an outbreak of cholera, following a heavy rainy season in Oyo state which has killed eight people and leaving ten people hospitalised.

This announcement was made by health officials speaking on the latest outbreak on Thursday.

The outbreak was confirmed on Monday by the spokesman for the health ministry, Cosmas Oni, who also confirmed the deaths of the eight persons and the hospitalisation ten people.

Vanguard news reports:

Nigeria suffered cholera epidemics during the rainy seasons of 2010 and 2011, with nearly 2,000 people killed over two years.

While 2012 saw few reported infections, health officials warn that Nigeria remains vulnerable to further outbreaks because of its high population density and poor sanitation in many areas.

“We have also embarked on a campaign to enlighten the people on the need to always clean their environment and drink clean water because the whole place is reeling with dirt,” Oni told AFP.

Cholera, a highly contagious intestinal infection, is transmitted by water soiled by human waste. The disease leads to diarrhoea, dehydration and death if untreated.

Cholera outbreaks occur regularly during the rainy season in Nigeria, when downpours wash contaminants into wells used by families.

The rainy season typically runs from April to September