The Ministry of Health in Edo on Thursday declared a cholera outbreak in the state, confirming six cases of the disease so far.

Stephenson Ojeifo, the director of public health, announced this during a news conference in Benin.

Mr Ojeifo said six confirmed cases were identified among the 40 suspected cholera cases recorded in Edo.

“We sent 23 suspected samples that tested positive to the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for a confirmatory test.

“We also have three suspected samples that tested negative to RDT but with obvious clinical signs and symptoms. The total number of samples sent to the national reference laboratory for confirmatory testing are 26.

“As of Tuesday this week, we received 15 results out of which six were confirmed positive to cholera and we are still expecting some outstanding results,” the health official said.

He noted that while the results were expected, the patients were managed in line with the cholera protocol management procedure.

He also said that three confirmed cases of the disease were from Egor, two from Uhunmwonde and one from Ikpoba Okha LGA. He noted that more actions had been taken to address the outbreak adequately.

He advised against self-medication, urging persons suffering from watery stool and diarrhoea to visit the hospital for treatment.

He also urged the public to stay calm, practise good hygiene and sanitation, and promptly report suspected cholera cases to relevant authorities.

(NAN)