The Abia State Government has reported that, despite experiencing 109 cases of stooling and vomiting in six of its 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) between January and June, no confirmed cholera cases have been recorded. Dr. Orie Agomoh, Director of Public Health and Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, made this announcement on Tuesday in Umuahia.
Agomoh mentioned that although initial rapid diagnostic tests showed positive results for cholera, subsequent testing at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja confirmed these cases were negative for the disease. The affected LGAs included Ohafia, Osisioma, Arochukwu, Umunneochi, Bende, and Ikwuano, with the highest number of suspected cases recorded in Arochukwu and Umunneochi.
In response to the ongoing cholera outbreak in other states, the Abia State Ministry of Health has implemented several preventive measures. These include:
– Ensuring access to safe drinking water
– Practicing proper sanitation, including regular hand-washing and maintaining personal hygiene
– Handling food safely and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption
– Cooking food properly before eating
– Avoiding roadside foods and untreated water
The ministry also urged residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of cholera. In case of any suspected cases, citizens are encouraged to contact Dr. Orie Agomoh at 08168440992 or via email at drprincessorieagomoh@gmail.com, and Elezuo Elezuo, the State Epidemiologist, at 08030960031 or via email at eoelezuo@yahoo.com.
By maintaining these preventive measures, the Abia State Government aims to safeguard public health and prevent any potential cholera outbreak within the state.