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| Edo State Reports 8 Suspected Cholera Cases as Lassa Fever Claims 36 Lives |
The Edo State Government has announced eight suspected cases of cholera amid a recent increase in cases, while Lassa fever has resulted in 36 deaths in the state since the start of 2024.
Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson, the Director of Public Health at the state’s Ministry of Health, revealed that the suspected cholera cases were identified last Thursday among 16 patients admitted to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Dr. Stephenson explained that Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) were conducted on all 16 patients. He noted, “While RDTs are not confirmatory tests, eight patients tested positive. Samples from these patients have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for confirmation.”
He stressed that no cholera cases would be officially declared until the results from the National Reference Laboratory are received.
In the meantime, the state is working with a World Health Organisation (WHO) team to manage the situation.
Dr. Stephenson urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the state government, with support from WHO staff, is effectively handling the outbreak.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and our surveillance system is active for contact tracing and line listing,” he added.
He also advised the public to maintain good hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
In a related development, Dr. Stephenson disclosed that 36 people have died from Lassa fever in the state since the beginning of the year.
“Out of 2,300 suspected cases, 226 have been confirmed. The state government is working to eradicate the rats that transmit Lassa fever to ensure the state becomes free from this disease,” he said.
