Urgent Measures and Safety Tips to Prevent further Spread of Cholera.

A cholera outbreak in the state has been confirmed by the Lagos State Ministry of Health. The Lagos State Government has asked for "heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures" to stop the outbreak from spreading after people of Lagos voiced worries earlier this week about their suspicions about it. Additionally, there have been reports of cases of severe gastroenteritis.

Communities in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe were noted by Akin Abayomi, the commissioner of health, as possibly affected local government districts.

He said; “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. We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation. As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states.” 

The commissioner also brought attention to the rise in severe vomiting and diarrhoea cases that had coincided with the recent rains. He underlined that densely populated, unsanitary urban slums pose the greatest risk.

As per the World Health Organisation, cholera is a severe diarrheal illness that arises from consuming food or water tainted with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Its spread is associated with insufficient availability of sanitary facilities and clean water.

“Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing,” Akin Abayomi explained.

Cholera symptoms include:

• Severe watery diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Rapid dehydration
• Muscle cramps
• Fever, and potential collapse

Prevention measures:

• Making sure the water is safe to consume by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water. 
• Steer clear of ice goods that contain untreated water.
• Sanitary measures such as using restrooms, disposing of waste safely, and refraining from open defecation.
• Hands should always be cleaned with soap and water, especially before eating, cooking, and using the lavatory.
• Observing food safety guidelines.

For information and direction, residents are urged to rely on the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Ministry of Health, and recognised neighbourhood healthcare services. Contact hotlines 08023169485, 08137412348, or helplines 767 or 112 to report suspicious cases.