Three persons have been confirmed dead following outbreak of diphtheria in two local government areas of Abia State.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, who briefed journalists in Umuahia said there were 12 reported cases of diphtheria across the state, particularly in Osisioma and Umuahia South councils. “Unfortunately, there were three deaths resulting from those suspected cases, but the test did not confirm that there were further cases of diphtheria.”
But he said the state was cholera free as all the 112 suspected cases recorded in eight local government areas have returned negative after laboratory tests in Lagos.
“I want to announce to us that Abia is Cholera-free. Between June 30, and July 7, a total of 112 suspected cases of Cholera were reported, cutting across eight LGAs.
“Following various tests carried out and the samples collected across these eight LGAs, there were no reported cases of death and not even a confirmed case of Cholera.”
He said those in the health sector were working round the clock to ensure that any emergency was tackled head-on.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Mrs. Ngozi Azodoh, said the government was working with relevant agencies to ensure that Abia maintains cholera-free status and stressed the need for all to imbibe the attitude of good hygiene.
“We, in accordance with the protocols, conducted rapid diagnostic tests, and out of those rapid diagnostic tests, only three came out RDT positive. We had to send those RDT positive cases to the national reference laboratory for confirmation, and we are happy that all of them came back negative.
“So, we are cholera free as a state. However, we will continue to maintain high levels of surveillance.
She disclosed of a diphtheria scare at Umueze community, very close to Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, adding that the situation is now under control
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