The Ministry of Health in Edo State announced a cholera outbreak, confirming six cases of the disease.
According to The PUNCH, the Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, made this announcement during a press briefing in Benin.
Ojeifo explained that out of the 40 suspected cholera cases reported in the state, six had been confirmed. “We sent 23 suspected samples that tested positive in the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmatory testing,” he said.
He added that three other suspected samples, which were negative in RDT but showed clear clinical symptoms, were also sent for confirmation. In total, 26 samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory, with 15 results already received—six of which were confirmed as positive for cholera. The remaining results are still awaited.
While awaiting further results, the patients have been treated following cholera management protocols.
“The patients are well and have been discharged. Fortunately, we have not had any new cases in the community exhibiting symptoms of cholera,” Ojeifo noted.
The confirmed cases include three from Egor, two from Uhunmwonde, and one from Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area. To effectively address the outbreak, additional measures have been implemented.
The state, in partnership with the Edo Primary Health Care Development Agency, has designated several Primary Health Centres across various local government areas to manage suspected cases.
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State University Teaching Hospital, and the Central Hospital in Benin City have been identified as referral centres for severe cases.
“We have also selected PHCs across different local government areas, staffed with doctors and nurses, to manage these cases adequately,” Dr. Ojeifo said.
He advised against self-medication, urging individuals with symptoms like watery stools and diarrhoea to seek medical attention promptly.
Ojeifo also encouraged the public to maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices and to report suspected cholera cases to the appropriate authorities.
