CHOLERA – NIGERIA (02): (LAGOS) FATAL
A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Wed 12 Jun 2024
Source: Premium Times [edited]
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/703172-lagos-issues-guidelines-as-cholera-kills-five-in-two-days.html
The Lagos State Government has called for heightened vigilance and
precautionary measures following the death of 5 people from a
suspected cholera outbreak in 48 hours.
According to a statement Tuesday [11 Jun 2024], the Lagos State
Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, revealed that severe cases of
gastroenteritis have been reported in communities around Eti Osa,
Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGAs.
Mr Abayomi said the outbreak has resulted in about 60 hospital
admissions, adding that the fatalities were mainly from patients with
extreme dehydration coming to the hospital late.
The commissioner noted that following recent rains, Lagos State has
recorded an increase in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools,
adding that urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are
particularly at risk.
“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response.
The Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the
Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been alerted
to investigate a possible water contamination source in the Lekki
Victoria Island axis,” the statement read.
As of 28 Apr 2024, data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
(NCDC) shows that Nigeria has recorded 815 suspected cholera cases and
14 deaths across 25 states.
Mr Abayomi explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease that
causes severe diarrhoea and can be life-threatening, adding that it
poses a significant health burden in areas with poor water treatment
and sanitation.
“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.
He highlighted the treatment options for cholera including rehydration
using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration,
adding that intravenous fluid is used for severely dehydrated patients
and given only in medical facilities and supervised by medical
personnel.
“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,”
the commissioner advised.
He advised that citizens should rely on the Lagos State Ministry of
Health, NCDC, and accredited local health facilities for guidance,
advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management.
“We urge everyone to adopt these preventive measures and report any
suspected cases promptly to safeguard our communities,” he stated.