Cholera Outbreak Confirmed in Edo State, Nigeria: Authorities Urging Public Caution
In a somber announcement, the Edo State Government has declared a cholera outbreak in the state, confirming six cases of the disease to date. According to the Director of Public Health at the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, the outbreak has been identified among 40 suspected cases of cholera recorded in the state.
Dr. Ojeifo made the announcement during a news conference in Benin, stressing the importance of prompt action to contain the outbreak. The director explained that 23 suspected samples tested positive to the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmatory testing. Additionally, three suspected samples tested negative to RDT but exhibited clear clinical signs and symptoms.
As of Tuesday this week, the state received 15 test results, with six being confirmed positive for cholera. Dr. Ojeifo emphasized that the patients were managed according to the cholera protocol management procedure.
The outbreak has been linked to specific local government areas, with three cases reported in Egor, two in Uhunmwonde, and one in Ikpoba Okha. In response, the authorities have taken additional measures to address the outbreak effectively.
Residents are advised against self-medication and instead urged to seek medical treatment if experiencing watery stool and diarrhea. The public is also cautioned to prioritize good hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of the disease. Furthermore, authorities have encouraged the reporting of suspected cholera cases to relevant authorities.
While the situation is concerning, it is crucial to acknowledge the swift response of the authorities and the measures taken to contain the outbreak. The people of Edo State are urged to remain calm and cooperate with public health officials to prevent the spread of the disease.