Prof. Akin Abayomi, the State Commissioner for Health, has provided an update on the current Cholera outbreak in Kirikiri prison, highlighting that the government has enlisted further assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO) in combatting the contagious illness. He stated the swift actions taken by the government to address medical and environmental concerns, such as providing Kirikiri Medium Prison with essential healthcare items like infection prevention resources, intravenous fluids, and other necessary supplies. The WHO has donated 10,000 doses of medication to the prison to provide healthcare for about 3,200 inmates when necessary.
The commissioner addressed concerns by confirming that the prison’s water and Sanitation problems have been swiftly addressed, with ongoing inspections conducted at other correctional facilities across the state to resolve similar issues. Two weeks ago, unregulated street drinks and contaminated water sources in Lagos were identified and were linked to the infection outbreak. Samples taken from street beverages like Zobo have tested positive for infection-causing Vibrio cholerae bacteria by undercover officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ministry of Health, causing worries about the safety of these informal and unregulated products.
Strictly sanitation and inspection are ongoing in Lagos to combat cholera.
Also, the absence of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) accreditation numbers on these containers suggests that they were produced without following formal regulations. He further announced that the Environmental Health directorate would be taking action to shut down unauthorised Manufacturing facilities and apprehend individuals engaged in producing or distributing beverages without proper NAFDAC registration. There has been a notable decrease in daily infection cases since the highest point observed two weeks ago, and fortunately, there have been no new infection-related deaths in the past 72 hours. Intensified actions are underway to stop the spread of the disease.
He stressed the importance of adhering to Public Health regulations and encouraged locals to seek medical help promptly if they experience any symptoms. The continuous teamwork between the Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies (LAWMA and LASWAMO) was highlighted, emphasising their joint adoption of the One Health approach. These initiatives include thorough sanitation measures, regular inspection and disinfection of boreholes, distribution of clean drinking water in impacted regions, and implementation of stricter rules for beverage manufacturers. The commissioner emphasised the importance of increasing hygiene regulations for restaurants, food workers, drink producers, and water sources to reduce the prevalence of illnesses caused by contaminated food and water in Lagos.
Clean water access can prevent the illness from spreading in the state.
Furthermore, the illness is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration, leading to rapid health deterioration and even death if left untreated. Prevention efforts must improve access to clean water sources and promote proper sanitation and hygiene practices. This includes implementing water treatment systems, constructing latrines, and educating communities on the importance of handwashing and safe food preparation. Addressing these key factors can reduce the risk of cholera outbreaks and protect public health in vulnerable populations.
Its symptoms can appear within a few hours to five days after ingesting contaminated food or water. The most common symptom is severe diarrhoea, which can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This diarrhoea is typically watery and pale and is often described as “rice-water stools” due to its appearance. Vomiting is another frequent symptom, contributing further to fluid loss. In severe cases, cholera can cause a rapid loss of fluids and salts, leading to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity, and reduced urine output. Muscle cramps and weakness are also common due to the loss of essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Related Article: Lagos cholera outbreak needs urgent attention
In addition to public health Education campaigns, governmental intervention is essential in preventing cholera outbreaks in Lagos State. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to enforce food and beverage safety standards is crucial. Regular inspections of manufacturers and swift measures against non-compliant producers are necessary to ensure that the public consumes only safe products. By addressing these root causes and taking proactive steps to uphold safety standards, the government can significantly reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health of residents in Lagos State.