From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State government has assured residents that it was closely monitoring the suspected cases of cholera outbreak in some communities in Burutu and Isoko South Local Government Areas.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme made this known yesterday in Asaba when responding to questions on the outbreak of the disease in the state.
He said the state has not recorded any confirmed case of cholera but had one confirmed case of Lassa fever, and added that rapid response teams had been deployed to the affected communities for immediate response, case management and infection prevention
Onojaeme disclosed that the Ministry of Health was working closely with other relevant ministries, departments and agencies, as well as partners such as the World Health Organisation, WHO, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, to ensure that the health of residents were safeguarded.
He advised that early presentation at health facilities could significantly improve survival rate.
The Commissioner also explained that cholera symptoms included severe diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, and rapid weight loss while that of Lassa fever include fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, and, in severe cases, bleeding from body openings.
He further disclosed that samples ,stool specimen, had been tested using Rapid Diagnostic Test ,RDT, kits, which had been sent to the National Referral Laboratory for final analysis and confirmation.
He also said that health workers had stepped up efforts at sensitising communities on hygiene practices and early symptoms to watch for and at the same time ensure enhanced surveillance by tracking suspected cases to prevent further transmission.
