There is no cholera epidemic in Abia state – Ministry of Health

The Abia State Government has declared that the state is cholera free and also stated that 109 suspected cases reported in the six LGAs of the state between January and June 2024 were all confirmed negative.

This view was announced by the Abia State Ministry of Health in an updated report covering the period January to June 2024, in response to the recent warning by the Nigerian Center for Disease Control, NCDC, on an increase in cholera cases across the country.

According to Elezuo Elezuo, State Epidemiologist and Dr. Orie Agomuo, Director of Public Health and Disease Control of the Ministry, 109 suspected cases of cholera were reported in six LGAs during the reporting period , specifically Ohafia (1), Ikwuano (9). , Osisioma (1), Bende (17), Arochukwu (42) and Umunnochi (39).

However, the Ministry explained that out of 109 reported cases, only two samples tested positive after the RDT rapid diagnostic test.
The Abia State Ministry of Health further explained that when the two positive cases were referred to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, they were confirmed negative for cholera, which proves that the state is free of the disease described during the period under consideration.

However, preventive and responsive measures have been put in place by the Ministry to ensure that Abia remains cholera-free.
The state government has warned people against eating roadside food and also urged them to maintain personal hygiene, avoid drinking untreated water and cook food thoroughly before eating.