Angela Onwuzoo
The Lagos State Government has attributed the alarming number of deaths recorded in the latest cholera outbreak in the state to late presentation.
It disclosed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 579, out of which 43 were confirmed through laboratory analysis, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa Local Government Areas recording the highest numbers.
Disclosing the figures at a press briefing on Monday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said the death toll had risen to 29, an increase of five from the previously reported 24 fatalities.
Abayomi also revealed that 30 patients were currently hospitalised for varying degrees of the disease at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.
The commissioner said, “Most of these deaths were caused by patients presenting very late at a stage where we could not resuscitate them because they had severe rehydration and many patients were brought in dead.
“So far, we have not been able to identify a source yet, but investigations are ongoing. Moving forward, we are going to keep active surveillance around our water sources and beverages in Lagos state.”
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera.
It appears periodically in countries unable to secure access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation like Nigeria.
Although a preventable and treatable disease, the number of cholera cases tends to increase at the outset of the rainy season.
Abayomi noted that out of all the samples they were able to collect, they had been able to identify Vibrio cholera.
“So this is indeed a confirmed case of a cholera outbreak by a subtype O1 that is known to us to be very contagious and to cause significant sickness in those that contract it”, he said.
Although the Oral Cholera Vaccine is a tool for the prevention and control of cholera outbreaks, the commissioner said the government has not included it in its routine national immunisation programme.
He explained, “Firstly, introducing a new vaccine requires careful consideration, especially in the current climate of “vaccine sensitivity. Secondly, the low incidence of cholera cases in the country doesn’t justify a nationwide rollout.”
Abayomi stressed that the situation would be different if cholera cases surged, adding that immediate action would be taken, including importing vaccines.
He added that presently, a limited supply of the oral cholera vaccine is available in the private sector but not through public health facilities.
He said the discussions should be at the federal level to determine whether to integrate this vaccine into the national immunization programme.
Giving insight into efforts to halt the spread of the disease, the commissioner said the state government is in complete control, even as he disclosed that it is offering cholera treatment free of charge to any suspected cases.
He urged patients who are having symptoms of cholera to visit any public hospitals for treatment.
“The state government has also adopted one health approach to response as relevant ministries and agencies and departments of the Lagos state government, including Health, Environmental and Water Resources, Education, Information and Strategy, Physical Planning and Agriculture are working together to curb the outbreak, prevent future occurrence.
“Directorate of Environmental Health and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency is collecting samples of water, food, and beverages to determine the source of the outbreak; ongoing inspections of facilities in affected areas; prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities statewide; distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions and risk Communication and Public health education campaigns commenced and intensified,” he said.
He urged residents to consume safe water, practice good personal hygiene like hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before eating; washing of raw fruits and vegetables; cook food properly; thoroughly reheat leftover food before consuming; avoid unregulated and unregistered Street beverages and ensure general environmental sanitation.
To prevent a similar outbreak, he said the state government is to introduce an initiative called Safe Plate and Safe Beverage to prevent the recurrence of outbreaks like cholera.
He said the initiative will ensure that all street food vendors and beverage sellers will be monitored and given modules of operation.
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