From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Ogun State Government says it has recorded 25 suspected cases of cholera in seven local government areas. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made this known on the preparedness of the state to contain the spread of the disease.
She listed Ado-Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode LGs where the suspected cases have been recorded. Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Ado-Odo/Ota LGs were identified as high-risk LGs.
She noted that, “The fluidity of movement of people from Ogun to the neighbouring Lagos State, which is the epicentre of cholera outbreak, has made the spread of diseases across Ogun borders a major public health threat, hence, the need for the state to put preventative measures in place.”
She disclosed that the state received an alert on June 12, 2024, about the first two cases who were tested positive with a cholera rapid diagnostic kit and were managed at the State Hospital, Ota. Coker added that the state has nine confirmed cases and recorded one death:
“Prior to this outbreak, as part of the state preparedness, a robust surveillance system was in place in all 20 local government authorities which ensured prompt detection of cases. The initial eight cases originated from Lagos State the reported epicentre of the cholera outbreak and a state that shares a border with four of our local governments. The eight cases had travel history to Lagos and six of them reported taking tiger nut drink while in Lagos. Furthermore, we also promptly diagnosed cholera in five of the contacts of the patients with a travel history to Lagos State.
“To support the state response, the state Epidemiology Unit is on high alert. All LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have also intensified surveillance. Our private health facilities and citizens have been sensitised to heighten their index of suspicion and report any suspected case immediately to the LGA DSNO, and the State Response Team by calling the following phone numbers 08038642812, 07034214893, and 08084250881.
“All our 20 LGs have trained rapid-response teams ready to respond to calls at short notice in collaboration with Ogun State Emergency and Ambulance Service.
Cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGs and designated treatment centres to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
“Medications and essential consumables have been prepositioned at LGs and other strategic health facilities to provide hitch free, quality treatment that is free in all government health facilities.
“The risk factors for cholera include eating contaminated food and drink, unhygienic sanitary conditions, and poor personal hygiene. Presentation of cholera is diarrhea with or without vomiting. Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea, which can kill within hours, if left untreated. It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms.
“The prevention and control of cholera in a multi-faceted approach is key with a combination of surveillance, potable water, sanitation and hygiene, social mobilization, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines are used.
“Our expectation from the public is proper personal hygiene, particularly hand hygiene, washing food/fruits/vegetables properly before eating, drink only clean water (boil if the source is not trusted), discourage open defecation, cook food thoroughly, go to the nearest health facility if you pass watery stool more than twice within eight hours and report any suspected case in your locality.”
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