-As Govt Tasks Residents on Vigilance, Preventive Measures
Following the several cases of severe gastroenteritis reported in Lagos hospitals in the last 48 hours, the Lagos State Government has issued a heightened call for vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of a potential cholera outbreak in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in a circular sighted by Pharmanewsonline disclosed that reports reaching his desk at the Ministry of Health, indicated that cases of severe gastroenteritis have been reported in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe LGA, resulting in about 60 hospital admissions, with five deaths recorded mainly from patients who presented late with extreme dehydration.
He explained that with recent rains, the state has seen a notable increase in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools, adding that urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are particularly at risk.
Prof. Abayomi added that cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhoea and can be life-threatening, noting that it poses a significant health burden in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation, and could impact Lagos State.
He said, “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 said.
According to him, treatment options for cholera include rehydration using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration. Intravenous Fluids are 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,”he advised.
He urged residents to report suspected cases to the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.
