The Ondo State government says two cholera cases recorded in early 2024 were quickly curtailed to avoid its spread. 

Speaking to journalists on Monday in Akure, Mr Ajaka said two cases had been reported in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state, which he said had been curtailed by the state’s rapid response team.

He said the state had strengthened the rapid response team, which included primary health care (PHC) coordinators, lab focal persons, and disease surveillance officers across the state’s three senatorial districts through the COPREP programme.

Mr Ajaka explained that with the outbreak of cholera in some states, mostly in the South-West, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s government has activated its surveillance for immediate response to any 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.

According to him, an emergency preparedness committee would be established to work on issues such as the provision of portable water, sanitation, and strengthening of health institutions and other relevant sectors.

He maintained that the committee would be a collaborative effort between all the agencies in the health sector and other MDAs, including the ministries of environment, agriculture, information, water resources and the waste management agency. 

The commissioner also mentioned that an incident management system would be set up through the EOC, facilitating case detection, isolation and treatment of cases, including complications. 

Mr Ajaka assured us that the government would play its part by sensitising and creating awareness in the mass media and community engagement.

He appealed to citizens to maintain a high level of personal and food hygiene and promptly report any case of diarrhoea and vomiting to the
nearest hospital.

Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration.