The Edo State Government has declared a cholera outbreak following the confirmation of six cases. Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the Edo Ministry of Health, announced this development at a news conference in Benin on Thursday.
Out of 40 suspected cases reported, six have been confirmed positive for cholera after testing at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja. Dr. Ojeifo mentioned that 23 suspected samples were initially sent for Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT), with six cases confirmed as cholera. Three other samples showed negative RDT results but exhibited symptoms consistent with the disease.
“The patients have been managed according to cholera treatment protocols and have been discharged. Fortunately, no new symptoms have been reported in the community,” Dr. Ojeifo said.
The confirmed cases are distributed across three local government areas: Egor (three cases), Uhunmwonde (two cases), and Ikpoba Okha (one case).
To address the outbreak, the state has activated emergency measures, including the involvement of local Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and major hospitals such as the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for severe cases.
Dr. Ojeifo advised against self-medication and urged those with symptoms like watery stool and diarrhea to seek medical attention immediately. He also emphasized the importance of good hygiene and sanitation practices to control the spread of the disease.
