By Edebor Esther
Edo State Government through the State Ministry of Health has raised alarm over 8 suspected cases of cholera in the State, calling on residents to apply caution.
The disclosure was made by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in Benin City.
Ojeifo revealed that the 8 suspected cases were among 16 patients admitted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), adding that the suspected cholera cases have prompted the State Government to call on residents to take necessary precautions, as prescribed by professionals, in order to avoid contracting the disease.
According to him, “Last Thursday, we received an alert that there were some patients with suspected cases of cholera on admission at the hospital. In collaboration with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) team, we quickly mobilized our men to the hospital to investigate and assess the condition of the patients”.
He explained that out of the 16 patients admitted, eight tested positive through the use of a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for cholera, while the other eight were non-reactive. He however emphasized that a confirmatory test is still needed to officially determine if the reactive cases by the RDT are truly cholera cases, explaining that, not until results of the samples which have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja confirm the presence of cholera, the State cannot declare a cholera outbreak.
Ojeifo however clarified that as at press time, all the patients have been discharged from UBTH except one who was still in the ward. In light of the situation, he urged residents not to panic but to remain vigilant and to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of cholera, by maintaining high standards of hygiene, ensuring that their surroundings are clean, to minimize the risk of infection.
The Director emphasized the importance of drinking clean and safe water, as cholera is often spread through contaminated water sources, urging the public to avoid consuming untreated water and ensuring that their meals are properly cooked and stored.
He also announced that the State has activated a surveillance system for contact tracing and monitoring of persons who may have come into contact with the suspected cases, adding that community enlightenment campaigns were ongoing to educate the public on the symptoms and prevention of cholera. He urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
In addition to the cholera warning, Ojeifo disclosed that 36 persons have died from Lassa Fever in Edo State since the beginning of year 2024, with 226 confirmed cases out of 2,300 suspected cases. He stated that the Edo State Government is actively working to eradicate the rats responsible for spreading Lassa Fever, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a Lassa Fever-free State.
He concluded that Edo State Government was committed to the continuous monitoring of the situation and working with health partners, including WHO, to safeguard the health of residents in the State.
