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See the Number of people Edo State Confirmed Cholera Outbreak Cases With

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 5th, 2024.

See the Number of people Edo State Confirmed Cholera Outbreak Cases With

By Joy Odigie

On Thursday, the Edo State Government announced a cholera outbreak following the confirmation of six cases.

Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the Edo Ministry of Health, disclosed this information during a press briefing in Benin. He explained that these six cases were identified among 40 suspected cases reported in the state.

Twenty-three samples that tested positive in Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) were sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for further confirmation. Additionally, three suspected cases, which tested negative on RDT but exhibited clear clinical symptoms, were also included in the testing batch.

“Out of 26 samples sent for confirmatory testing, we have received results for 15. Of these, six have tested positive for cholera, and we are still awaiting the results for the remaining samples,” Ojeifo said.

He assured that the patients who tested positive have been treated according to cholera management protocols and have been discharged. Fortunately, no new symptoms have been reported in the community.

The confirmed cases were distributed across three local government areas: Egor (three cases), Uhunmwonde (two cases), and Ikpoba Okha (one case).

To tackle the outbreak, Ojeifo announced that the state is implementing comprehensive measures. Collaborating with the Edo Primary Health Care Development Agency, selected Primary Health Centres (PHCs) will handle suspected cholera cases. Severe cases will be referred to specialized hospitals, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State University Teaching Hospital, and Central Hospital in Benin City.

Ojeifo advised against self-medication and urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as watery stools and diarrhea to seek medical attention immediately. He also called on the public to maintain good hygiene, practice proper sanitation, and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.