From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Three people have died from diphtheria in Abia State, out of 12 reported cases across two Local Government Areas (LGAs). However, the state is cholera-free, as all 112 suspected cases in eight LGAs tested negative.
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, disclosed this information in Umuahia. “There were some reported cases, about 12 reported cases of diphtheria across the state, particularly in just two LGAs of Osisioma and Umuahia South,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there were three deaths resulting from those suspected cases, but the test did not confirm that there were further cases of diphtheria.”
Kanu explained that the cholera-free status was confirmed after laboratory tests in Lagos on all 112 suspected cases proved negative.
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He added that health officials in the state are working tirelessly to tackle any health emergencies. “I want to announce to us that Abia is Cholera-free. Between 30 June and 7 July, a total of 112 suspected cases of Cholera were reported, cutting across eight LGAs,” he said.
“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.”
Dr Mrs Ngozi Azodoh, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, said the government is collaborating with relevant agencies to maintain the cholera-free status and emphasised the importance of good hygiene.
“We, in accordance with the protocols, conducted a rapid diagnostic test, and out of those rapid diagnostic tests, only three came out RDT positive,” she said. “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 also mentioned a diphtheria scare at Umueze community, near Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, but confirmed that the situation is now under control.