By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State on Saturday said there is no record of cases of Cholera anywhere yet within its shores.
The state Epidemiologist, Dr Iyabo Kareem when contacted by The Nation said although, there were seven suspected reported cases, the sample taken to the laboratory for test has confirmed that five of the results released so far are negative.
She added that, although the state still awaits the remaining two results, efforts have been put in place to ensure that suspected cases of acute vomiting, diarrhoea and or stooling are promptly reported.
She said, the Ministry of Health in conjunction with lone ministries, partners and collaborators have hightened sensitisation and awareness across the state so that suspected cases are promptly reported.
Explaining the measures put in place by the state, she said the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC), Olodo has been reactivated and put on high alert, noting that suspected cases are been moved there while also assuring that possible cases will also be treated there.
Dr Kareem said “What we have recently is suspected cases of cholera. We had seven suspected cases. We have received laboratory report of five persons which came out negative.
“We have yet to get two results as I speak with you. There is no confirmed case of cholera in Oyo state as I speak with you.
“However, we are mindful that since the case has been reported in Lagos and Ogun state and due to the proximity of Oyo to the two states that have recorded the case and because of movement of people from the two states, we are putting up serious measures to enaure it didn’t come up here.
“Oyo state is not relatxing and we are strengthening our detection system. We have strengthen strong surveillance and reporting system. We are sensitising health workers to know case definition and identification.
“In the communities, we are sensitising our people to report acute diarrhoea and vomiting. We have at least ten community voluteers across all the 351 wards of the state who are helping us monitor and survey the neighbourhood.
“Even before cases were reported in Lagos and Ogun state, we have trained our Rapid Response Officers on surveillance.
“To aid testing in our laboratories, we have position our consumables, testing materials to various labs so that we can test any sample taken to them as fast and quick as possible.”
She added, “In prevention and control, we have also made provisions for our health officers so that they don’t fall victim during the course of duty.
“On risk communication, we have distributed Information, Education, Communication (IEC) materials to sensitise and educate members of the communities and people in the rural areas.
“We have also rolled out jingles on cholera both in English and Yoruba languages in the media and even social media to sensitise people on howbtobavoid cholera as well as where to report suspected cases.
“We have also told people about sanitation because cholera is prone in dirty environment and areas where hygiene is not taken seriously.
“We are encouraging people to take care of their personal health, environment and hygiene. We are telling them how to protect their food, how to get clean water and how to enaure their food is well cooked. We are also encouraging them yo wash their fruits well on their own before eating.
“We are also discouraging people from taking prepared drinks such as locally made kunu, tiger nut, zoo, pito among others that the source of water for preparing them are not certain.
“We are telling them that they must ensure that they patronise only approved food vendors.
“On the children, we are tling them that it is food that they pack their foods for them to school and not ask them to eat out.
“We have reactivated the Infectiois Disease Centre, Olodo where suspected cases are managed and when there is any confirmation, we will also treat them there.
“We are working with other line ministries including Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Water Resources, Oyo RUWASSA, World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and other partners.”
In the same vein, the state government also said it is implementing measures to prevent cholera outbreak in public basic schools, advising headteachers to ensure that food handlers follow strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination.
The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Adeniran made the disclosure on Saturday.
He said, the state government, through the Board, is on top of its game to ensure public basic schools are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of students.
Adeniran equally urged parents, guardians, and school authorities to adhere to safety guidelines, assuring that the board will work with Education Secretaries, Headteachers, and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.
The advisory emphasised the importance of hand hygiene, recommending that children carry hand sanitizers and frequently wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
He also recommended that schools keep Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) available in school clinics to manage dehydration cases promptly and to notify the State emergency hotline, 615, immediately in case of any health emergencies or suspected cholera cases.
Adeniran said preventive measures including comprehensive health talks on cholera prevention among learners and staff, and safe drinking water practices, will be conducted regularly.
