By Seyi Babalola
The Osun State Government has said that the state has yet to report a verified case of cholera.
The state authorities also stated that reports of 11 confirmed cholera cases in the state were erroneous.
Dr. Adekunle Akindele, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, delivered the statement on Sunday in Osogbo on behalf of the state government.
Akindele clarified that contrary to the claim in the report, Osun recorded 13 suspected cases of cholera but all turned out negative after laboratory assessment.
He assured the people of the state of adequate preventive measures by the government to prevent the occurrence, as well as readiness to respond to the outbreak whenever a case is recorded.
“Osun State Government through the Ministry of Health, has proactively reactivated and established the Public Health Rapid Response Team (PHRRT) and Cholera Technical Working Group (CTWG) respectively, to ensure adequate surveillance and risk communication activities in order to guarantee the health of the citizens.
“Though, Osun is yet to record any confirmed case of Cholera, adequate preventive measures have been put in place to prevent the occurrence, and respond to the outbreak in case we eventually record a case.”
Speaking further, Akindele noted that the state government is exploring the media to sensitise the public on preventive measures against cholera while surveillance mechanisms across the 30 local government areas and border towns had been heightened to fight the spread of the disease.
“Thirteen (13) sample(s) collected so far. All 13 samples sent to laboratory, of which 13(100%) were negative, 0 positive and no pending result,” he pointed out, adding that “Cholera RDT kits and Transport media has been strategically distributed to some Health Facilities across the 30 LGAs,” he said.
Akindele added that the Ministry of Health will continue to intensify public awareness on the prevention of cholera and what to do when symptoms develops, calling on the media not to pander to sensationalism at a time like this but rather focus on the dissemination of information that will save lives.
