The government of Ondo State has confirmed that two cases of cholera reported in early 2024 were swiftly contained to prevent further spread. Addressing reporters on Monday in Akure, Mr Ajaka disclosed that the incidents occurred in Okitipupa Local Government Area and were promptly managed by the state’s rapid response team.
He highlighted that the state has bolstered its rapid response team under the COPREP programme, deploying primary health care(PHC) coordinators, laboratory focal persons, and disease surveillance officers across its three senatorial districts.
Mr Ajaka elaborated that in light of cholera outbreaks in several South-West states, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has activated heightened surveillance to promptly address any potential cases.
“The surveillance team was also strengthened by the COPREP program with community informants/contact tracers trained and placed on stipends for eight months.
“They, however, would be deployed for active cases search in preparation for the cholera outbreak,” Mr Ajaka said.
He said a committee would be set up urgently to address issues like providing clean water, sanitation, and improving healthcare and other important areas.
He said the committee would work together with all health organisations and other government departments, including environment, agriculture, information, water resources, and waste management.
The commissioner also said a system would be put in place to manage incidents through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), which would help identify, isolate, and treat cases, including any complications.
Mr Ajaka assured us that the government would do its part by informing and educating people through the media and community involvement. He asked citizens to keep clean, maintain hygienic practices and report any case of diarrhoea and vomiting quickly to the nearest hospital.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes serious diarrhoea and dehydration. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration.