Professor Akin Abayomi
Following the initial alert and advisory issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health on cholera outbreak, in the State, the State Government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. The PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases which is associated with cholera, across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State.
The State’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this while speaking on steps taken by the State to control the outbreak. According to him, 350 suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in Lagos State with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities so far.
“The laboratory investigation and test results (carried out) have so far confirmed Cholera sub type O-1 which is associated with severe disease saying that the pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
The honourable commissioner for health did also disclose that the number of cases were beginning to dramatically subside in previously affected LGAs due to his Ministry’s interventions and surveillance though he was quick to also add that they are recording new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, indicating the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures.
He added that “The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
Said he; “We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the State. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), as well as public health education campaigns”.
Prof. Akin Abayomi also disclosed that the Lagos State Government Ministry of Health is partnering the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control headed by Dr. Jide Idris as well as key partners from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure all interventions are optimized.
He therefore enjoins Lagosians to support the State Government’s efforts by adhering strictly to precautionary measures, cooperating with health authorities, and participating in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the spread of cholera, particularly during the Eid-al-Adha celebrations.
He therefore urges Lagosians to drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitiser, and avoid over crowded places during and after Eid-al-Adha. Furthermore, he advised them to report symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of the community.
It is noteworthy that treatment for suspected cholera patients is provided free of charge at all government facilities in the State as part of governments standard public health response.
While acknowledging the leadership role being played by the Governor of Lagos State, H.E Babajide Sanwo-Olu, towards mitigating the outbreak, the Commissioner applauded the technical support being provided by national and international organizations, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF towards response.
Cholera is an acute infection of the intestine. It is highly contagious and is transmitted by ingesting food and water contaminated by the bacterium or faeces. It often occurs in over-crowed places where clean water, refuse collection and lavatories are lacking or are in short supply. Young children and the elderly are particularly at risk. Principal symptoms are watery diarrhoea and vomiting.
