The Ministry of Health in Edo State has declared a cholera outbreak, with six confirmed cases as of Thursday, September 5.
Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health, made the announcement at a news conference in Benin.
Ojeifo disclosed that the six confirmed cases were selected from a total of 40 suspected cholera cases registered thus far. He stated, “We sent 23 suspected samples that tested positive in the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmatory testing. We also have three suspected samples that tested negative for RDT but showed obvious clinical signs and symptoms.”
He further explained, “The total number of samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory for confirmatory testing is 26. As of Tuesday this week, we received 15 results, out of which six were confirmed positive for cholera, and we are still expecting some outstanding results.”
While waiting for the results, Dr. Ojeifo confirmed that the patients were treated according to cholera treatment procedures and had since been released. He reassured the layperson, “Fortunately, we have not had any new cases in the community exhibiting symptoms of cholera.”
According to him, three of the verified cases were from Egor, two from Uhunmwonde, and one from Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has implemented further steps to control its spread. Ojeifo said, “We are activating all measures to address the outbreak we are currently facing.”
He added that several Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been chosen to manage suspected cases at the grassroots level, while major hospitals such as the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State University Teaching Hospital, and the Central Hospital in Benin City have been designated as referral centers for severe cases.
Ojeifo warned the public to avoid self-medication and advised those having symptoms such as watery stools and diarrhoea to seek prompt medical attention. He also called for calm, encouraging the public to “practise good hygiene and sanitation, and promptly report suspected cholera cases to the relevant authorities.”
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