The Abia government says that there was no confirmed case of cholera in the state, though it recorded 109 cases of stooling and vomiting in six of its 17 local government areas.

Orie Agomoh, director of public health and disease control in the Ministry of Health, confirmed this to journalists on Tuesday in Umuahia.

Ms Agomoh said the 109 cases of stooling and vomiting suspected to be cholera outbreaks were recorded between January and June.

She noted that two earlier samples collected and tested using rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) showed positive results.

However, a repeated test of the samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja confirmed they were negative for cholera.

She said one case each was recorded in the Ohafia and Osisioma local government areas, while Arochukwu, Umunneochi, Bende, and Ikwuano recorded 42, 39, 17, and nine cases, respectively.

“The State Ministry of Health emphasises that Abia State has not recorded any confirmed positive cases of cholera within the period under review.

“Nevertheless, because of the ongoing outbreak reported in some states, the ministry has instituted response measures towards the prevention and identification of any suspected cases and appropriate treatment.

“As part of the intervention, citizens are advised to continue to observe preventive measures to stay safe,” the director said.

She listed preventive measures such as ensuring access to safe drinking water, practicing sanitation, including proper hand-washing, and maintaining personal hygiene.

Others are handling food safely, washing fruits and vegetables properly before consumption and cooking food properly before eating it.

The ministry also warned residents to avoid roadside foods and drinking untreated water.

The director urged citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of cholera and promised further updates where necessary.

She supplied her phone and email contacts and those of Elezuo Elezuo, the state epidemiologist so that residents could contact the ministry.

The phone numbers and email addresses of the officials are as follows: Ms Agomoh, 08168440992, email: drprincessorieagomoh@gmail.com and Elezuo Elezuo, 08030960031, email: eoelezuo@yahoo.com.

(NAN)