The Lagos State Government has called for heightened vigilance and statewide precautionary measures following the death of five persons from a suspected cholera outbreak in the last few days.
It has been reported that communities around Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti Osa and Lagos Island LGAs are particularly affected.
The commissioner for health in Lagos State, Mr. Akin Abayomi said that patients presents with symptoms which include watery stool and vomiting. He pointed out that cases spread fast in overcrowded communities with poor hygiene and sanitation. He explained that reporting early to the hospital when these symptoms are seen will significantly reduce cases of death from cholera.
Mr Abayomi said “Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing.
“Symptoms of cholera include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever and sometimes collapse,” he noted
“Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is essential and following food safety guidelines,” . The commissioner advised citizens to use only clean water for cooking and drinking, maintain proper sanitation and avoid open defecation.
Dpath To Jannah Media Hub sought advisory from medical professionals during this festive period for Muslims. Dr. Fadeyi a community health specialist noted that due to the increased travelling especially to high risk areas during this Eidul-Adha period, Muslims need to be particularly careful. He advised Muslims to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet. *“These are already established sunnah of the Prophet and upholding them will assist us in preventing cholera”* He emphasised.
Dr. Shogunle ,a Public Health physician also advised Muslims as they travel to meet their loved ones in the villages and country side to ensure safe drinking of water by boiling, chlorination or packaged water from reputable sources. He advised against open defecation and improper disposal of faeces which may be more common in the country side. ” When we see cases of severe watery stool, vomiting, weakness even fever, please report to the nearest health facility. Delay can be fatal”, he advised.
Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows that Nigeria has recorded 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states, as at 28th of April, 2024.
