By Adedapo Adesanya
Residents of Lagos have heightened vigilance and precautionary measures following the death of five people from a suspected cholera outbreak in 48 hours.
Business Post independently gathered from medical practitioners that the rise in the disease is occurring in the state with many hospitalised and a considerable number dead.
On its part, the Lagos State Government has called for calm and extra precautions.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Mr 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.
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.
Aduragbemi Omiyale