“Edo State Reports 8 Suspected Cholera Cases, 36 Deaths from Lassa Fever This Year”
The Edo State Government has reported eight suspected cases of cholera among 16 patients admitted to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, shared this update during a press briefing in Benin City on Wednesday.
Dr. Stephenson revealed that rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) identified eight of the patients as positive for cholera, with samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation. Until the results are confirmed, no definitive positive cases will be reported. Fortunately, all but one patient have been discharged from UBTH.
In response, the state government, in collaboration with the WHO, has activated a surveillance system for contact tracing and community monitoring. Public health officials have been urged to maintain hygiene and report any suspected cases immediately.
Additionally, Dr. Stephenson disclosed that Edo State has recorded 36 deaths from Lassa fever this year, with 226 confirmed cases out of 2,300 suspected cases. The government continues efforts to control the spread by targeting the rats that carry the disease.