The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, said the government anticipated the rise in cases following the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, which drew large gatherings.
Ms Ogunyemi said this in an update released by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs in the state’s Ministry of Health, on Thursday in Lagos.
She said the cases increased to 401 across Lagos, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections.
Ms Ogunyemi, however, noted that suspected cases are subsiding across local government areas (LGAs), particularly in previously affected LGAs, due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.
Government Response
In response, the Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to manage the crisis. Key measures include:
- Emergency Medical Teams: Rapid response teams have been deployed to the most affected areas, providing immediate medical care and conducting contact tracing to control the spread.
- Public Health Campaigns: The government has launched extensive campaigns to educate citizens about cholera, its symptoms, and preventive measures. These campaigns utilize community outreach, social media, and local radio broadcasts.
- Enhanced Water and Sanitation Initiatives: Efforts to improve water quality and sanitation have been stepped up. This includes testing and chlorinating water sources, distributing water purification tablets, and promoting good hygiene practices.
- Healthcare Facility Support: Public health facilities are offering free treatment for cholera patients. Additional supplies such as rehydration solutions and antibiotics are being distributed to hospitals and clinics to handle the increasing number of cases.
Understanding Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water or food and can lead to severe dehydration and death if not promptly treated. Symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Low blood pressure
Prevention Measures
Preventing cholera involves both personal and community actions:
- Safe Drinking Water: Consume only boiled, chlorinated, or bottled water. Avoid ice unless it’s made from safe water.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet and before eating or handling food.
- Safe Food Consumption: Eat thoroughly cooked food and avoid raw or undercooked seafood and street food from unreliable sources.
- Proper Sanitation: Ensure proper disposal of human waste and maintain clean living environments to prevent the spread of bacteria.
As Nigeria confronts this cholera outbreak, public cooperation in adhering to preventive measures is vital. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
SmartCity PLC, the developer of HazanaCity—a smart estate in Ibadan and Osogbo—strongly encourages the public to fully support and comply with government directives and preventive measures. This collective effort is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of all residents and bringing an end to this outbreak.
Cerdit: Premium Times.