The Ministry of Health in Edo State has declared a cholera outbreak, confirming six cases of the disease as of Thursday, September 5.
This was announced by Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health in the ministry, during a news conference in Benin.
Ojeifo revealed that the six confirmed cases were identified from 40 suspected cholera cases recorded so 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 awaiting the results, Dr Ojeifo confirmed that the patients were managed according to cholera management protocols and have since been discharged. He assured the public, “Fortunately, we have not had any new cases in the community exhibiting symptoms of cholera.”
According to him, three of the confirmed 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 taken further measures to contain the 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 selected to manage suspected cases at the grassroots level, while major hospitals like 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 centres for severe cases.
Ojeifo urged the public to avoid self-medication, advising that individuals experiencing symptoms such as watery stools and diarrhoea should seek immediate hospital treatment. He also called for calm, encouraging the public to “practise good hygiene and sanitation, and promptly report suspected cholera cases to the relevant authorities.”
