‘Mere rumours’ — Oyo dismisses reports of cholera outbreak in parts of the state

The Oyo state government has debunked reports of an outbreak of cholera in some parts of the state.

Several parents have been sending panic messages across, asking others to withdraw their children from schools.

In a statement on Friday, Rotimi Babalola, director of press and public relations in the state’s ministry of information, culture and tourism, said news of the outbreak was the handiwork of rumour peddlers.

“The permanent secretary in the state’s ministry of health, Dr Olusoji Adeyanju, says a medical team has been put on alert to prevent unforeseen circumstances,” the statement reads.

“Surveillance and notification officers in the state and local government areas have been put on alert to institute preventive measures and sensitisation of residents in markets and other places.

“This is with a view to responding to any outbreak of such disease in the state.”

The permanent secretary said since the disease was highly contagious, all necessary precautions were being taken.

“It is an infection that may be transmitted from person to person through various channels, most especially where the source of drinking water and food are polluted or contaminated,” the statement reads.

“Our people at the ministry are currently on field, sensitising the masses on how to prevent cholera.”

Adeyanju appealed to the people of the state to improve on their personal hygiene and abide by preventive measures.

He also urged residents not to drink water from doubtful sources and to avoid eating food prepared in unhygienic conditions.