Following the death of five people caused by a Cholera outbreak in the state, the Lagos State Government has urged for increased awareness and implementation of precautions. Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state Commissioner for Health, recently cautioned regarding an alarming increase in severe gastroenteritis cases in the state. He revealed severe gastroenteritis instances have been recorded in various communities surrounding different areas in Lagos State, such as Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Eti-Osa, and Kosofe Local Government Area. He observed that about 60 individuals were admitted to the hospital due to the outbreak, with those that resulted in fatality.
The majority of these deaths were attributed to patients arriving at the hospital at a late stage of illness, suffering from severe dehydration. A comprehensive surveillance and response protocol has been implemented across the entire state. A potential water contamination issue in the Victoria Island and Lekki area has prompted the Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to investigate. There are concerns about a potential cholera outbreak, but samples have been collected to confirm the diagnosis.
Recent wet weather in the state is causing outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea.
Also, the commissioner emphasised that the recent rainy weather in the state has led to severe vomiting and diarrhea cases, especially in densely populated areas with inadequate Sanitation facilities, such as urban slums. Abayomi further detailed that cholera, a highly transmissible illness, leads to intense illness and carries a risk of mortality. He stated its harmful effects in regions with inadequate water treatment and sanitation, emphasising its potential impact on Public Health. Cholera can be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated food or water or indirectly through inadequate sanitation practices and failure to wash hands.
Furthermore, cholera presents with symptoms such as profuse, watery diarrhoea, vomiting, quick loss of body fluids, muscle spasms, elevated Body Temperature, and occasional collapse. He stated that cholera treatment involves addressing dehydration by utilising Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) in mild to moderate dehydration cases. He observed that severely dehydrated patients require intravenous fluids, which must be administered in medical settings under the supervision of healthcare professionals. To avoid cholera, it is recommended that individuals take measures to guarantee the safety of their drinking water, such as boiling, chlorinating, or opting for bottled water. Also, it is advised to refrain from consuming ice made from untreated water.
Residents were urged to seek guidance on prevention and treatment.
Upholding good hygiene standards by using toilets, properly disposing of waste, and refraining from Open Defecation is vital. Maintaining proper hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water is crucial. This should be done before meals, food preparation, and restroom use. Likewise, it is important to adhere to Food Safety protocols. Residents were encouraged to seek guidance, advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management from the state Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities.
As stated by the commissioner, people are encouraged to report suspected cases promptly using emergency hotlines 08023169485 or 08137412348 or by dialling helplines 767 or 112 to protect communities. Abayomi reassured the community that they would receive regular updates and reaffirmed the state’s dedication to maintaining the health and welfare of its people. According to information from the NCDC, as reported recently, the country had documented 815 possible cases of cholera and 14 fatalities in 25 different states as of April 28.
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Collaborative efforts are essential in raising awareness about this preventable and treatable disease. The waterborne illness is caused by bacteria and can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate access to clean resources. To effectively address the spread, a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, Healthcare Providers, community organisations, and international partners is crucial. The government can allocate funds and resources towards programs and interventions that help prevent and treat cholera, such as vaccination campaigns, water treatment programs, and healthcare Infrastructure development.
