By Seyi Babalola
The Lagos State Government has issued a plea for increased vigilance and the implementation of preventative measures following a cholera outbreak that killed five people.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state Commissioner for Health, issued a statement on Tuesday warning that the state had received an excessive number of acute gastroenteritis cases in the previous 48 hours.
Speaking on the surveillance findings, Abayomi said that acute gastroenteritis has been observed in communities surrounding Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas in the state.
He said that the epidemic resulted in around 60 hospital admissions and five deaths, primarily due to patients coming late with severe dehydration.
According to him: “We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response.
“The Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency have been alerted to investigate a possible water contamination source in the Lekki, Victoria Island axis.
“We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation,” he said.
The commissioner stated that following recent rainfall, Lagos has seen a significant increase in instances of acute vomiting and watery stools, emphasizing that urban slums and congested regions with poor sanitation are particularly vulnerable.
Abayomi said that cholera is a highly contagious disease that produces severe diarrhea and can be fatal.
He also stated that it presented a considerable health risk in places with poor water treatment and sanitation, which might have an impact on the state.
“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 diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever and sometimes collapse,” he said.
He believes that dehydration and the use of Oral dehydration Salts are effective treatments for cholera.
He stated that intravenous fluids are only administered to extremely dehydrated individuals in medical institutions and under the supervision of medical staff.
“To prevent cholera, citizens are urged to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water.
“Maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of faeces, and avoiding open defecation is crucial.
“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,” Abayomi advised.
