The community’s clan chief, Bernard Egbe, said the health situation in the area was deplorable due to the progression of the disease, which threatens to claim more lives.

Four other people infected with the cholera virus, who are receiving medical attention, are in critical condition, authorities said.

Two days ago, the director of the state healthcare system, Janet Ekpeyong, reported that a special medical team was deployed in Cross River to contain the outbreak of the bacterial disease, which causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.

She noted that the increase in cholera cases in the state is due, among other factors, to a lack of access to drinking water for many villagers.

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