Janet Ogundepo
Following the continuous rise in the number of deaths and cases recorded in the ongoing cholera outbreak in Lagos and Ogun States, the Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to commission public analysts for comprehensive water quality testing in the affected areas.
SoTLAN’s president, Prof Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, made the appeal in a statement sent to PUNCH Healthwise.
On Monday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that presently, 1,528 suspected cholera cases and 53 deaths have been reported in 31 states across 107 Local Government Areas.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, also said that the Federal Government has activated the National Emergency Operation Centre for cholera.
He said, “As of June 24, 2024, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been recorded across 31 states and 107 LGAs with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.
“These fatalities are not just statistics but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often a seasoned healthcare worker and team member. This situation is compounded as the rainy season intensifies.”
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The common indications are vomiting and stooling.
Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and different levels of dehydration and can kill within hours if left untreated.
Apart from diarrhoea and dehydration, other symptoms include nausea/vomiting, low blood pressure, rapid weight loss, and muscle cramps.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, about 1.3 to 4 million people worldwide get cholera, and between 21,000 to 143,000 people die.
Ogunmoleya emphasised the need for proper water sampling and testing in the affected areas to curb the further spread of the disease.
The don attributed the loss of lives to the disease to inadequate public awareness of the remote and immediate causes, as well as the preventive measures.
He further highlighted the critical need for immediate action to safeguard public health.
“Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water. Therefore, ensuring the quality and safety of our foods and drinking water is paramount in preventing further spread. This calls for urgent laboratory testing of suspected food and/or water sources.
“Under the IPAN Act Cap.I 16 LFN 2004, formerly Decree No. 100 of 1992, Public Analysts are the only professionals authorised to carry out water and food testing and to confirm their wholesome or otherwise. To address this urgent public health crisis, therefore, SoTLAN hereby emphasises the importance of mobilising Public Analysts to conduct thorough testing of water sources, including wells, boreholes, and municipal supplies (where available) in all the affected areas,” SoTLAN president said.
Ogunmoyela further noted that public analysts in both public and private sectors had the skills and expertise required to identify and mitigate such contamination and other predisposing factors.
He asserted that their involvement was crucial in guiding the ongoing discourse and implementation of remedial measures, including disinfection and provision of safe drinking water and public sensitisation to the predisposing factors after analysis.
“SoTLAN therefore calls on the government to take the following actions immediately: Commission Public Analysts: Officially engage qualified Public Analysts to carry out urgent water quality testing in affected areas. Facilitate collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Water Resources, and Public Analysts to ensure a coordinated and effective response. Inform the Public about the steps being taken and provide guidance on how to protect themselves during this outbreak,” he said.
Ogunmoyela, a professor of Food Science and Technology, advised Nigerians to ensure all drinking water is boiled or treated before consumption.
He also encouraged them to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet.
“Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Use only water from safe sources for drinking or washing foods, avoid drinking water from unverifiable sources and seek immediate medical attention if you or anyone in your household experiences symptoms of cholera, such as severe nausea, diarrhoea, stooling and vomiting,” the SoTLAN president said.
He further noted that the society was committed to supporting the government in addressing the public health issue swiftly and effectively.
Ogunmoyela added, “We urge the authorities to act promptly in commissioning Licensed Public Analysts and implementing necessary measures. Together, we can overcome this challenge and ensure the well-being of our communities.”
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