The Edo State Ministry of Health has declared a cholera outbreak, confirming six cases of the disease following a surge in suspected infections.
The Director of Public Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, disclosed that out of 40 suspected cases recorded across the state, six were confirmed positive after tests were conducted at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja.
The affected individuals, from Egor, Uhunmwonde, and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas, were treated following cholera management protocols and have since been discharged. Thankfully, no new cases have emerged within the communities, Ojeifo confirmed.
In response to the outbreak, the state has activated a series of actions to contain the spread. Selected primary healthcare centers across local governments are equipped to handle suspected cases, while major hospitals, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, are designated as referral centers for severe cases.
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Ojeifo emphasized the importance of good hygiene, advising the public to avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as watery stool or diarrhea. He urged calm and cooperation with authorities to manage the outbreak effectively.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.
Cholera is an extremely virulent disease transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The disease can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.
Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 1–10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people. Among people who develop symptoms, the majority have mild or moderate symptoms. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms. A minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated.
In June 2024, Nigeria reported 1094 new cholera cases and 41 associated deaths, resulting in a CFR of 3.7 percent. This marks a 1143% increase in cases and a 1950% increase in deaths compared to the previous month.
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