The NCDC’s recent Epidemiological Week 22, 2024 report had listed Bayelsa among the states with the highest burden of cholera cases.
By Nydra Ayibapreye
The Bayelsa State government, through its Ministry of Health, has disputed the inclusion of Bayelsa on the list of states affected by the cholera epidemic, as recently published by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in its disease surveillance report.
Dr. Toyin Azebi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, refuted the report during a joint press briefing following a meeting of the Bayelsa Taskforce on Immunization and Health Services, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in Yenagoa.
The NCDC’s recent Epidemiological Week 22, 2024 report had listed Bayelsa among the states with the highest burden of cholera cases.
Dr. Azebi clarified that there had been no confirmed outbreak of cholera in the state recently, stating that the NCDC’s declaration was a complete misrepresentation and should be disregarded.
She emphasized that all 449 suspected cholera cases in the state from January to date had tested negative in clinical laboratory tests, which identified them as cases of gastrointestinal diarrhea.
According to Dr. Azebi, the ministry had contacted the NCDC about the issue, and upon review, the NCDC acknowledged the error in their initial report and agreed to issue a rebuttal, which had not been done at the time of the press briefing.
She said, “The NCDC report is a gross misrepresentation of the Bayelsa data, and we have tackled them on it. They have reviewed our data with us and will soon do another pronouncement excluding us as a state with a cholera outbreak.
“Since January 2024, there have been 449 suspected cases of cholera reported across the eight LGAs. Importantly, only two new suspected cases were reported in the most recent week, indicating no new cases.
“We are able to even report these cases of watery diarrhea because of our optimized surveillance system across the state.
“Extensive testing has been conducted to confirm cholera cases. Out of 42 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) carried out, only 14 returned positive. Crucially, all 14 positives from the Rapid Diagnostic tests turned out negative when subjected to culture test.
“Culture tests are the gold standard for cholera diagnosis, and no cases have been confirmed by this method. And this attests to no outbreak.
“In summary, the cholera situation in Bayelsa State is under control with no culture confirmed positive. The state government is taking active and comprehensive steps to manage the situation effectively, ensuring public health and safety.”
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