The Lagos State Government has traced the cholera outbreak to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supplies. Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi confirmed that 25 severe gastroenteritis cases at Kirikiri Correctional Centre were caused by cholera. The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided pharmaceutical support to prevent further spread.
Abayomi reported significant improvement in daily cholera cases from the spike two weeks ago but noted ongoing low-grade community transmission. He disclosed this during an update on the outbreak following a strategic meeting.
Although no new cholera-related deaths have been reported in the last 72 hours, the government is intensifying efforts to eliminate transmission. The reduction in new daily cases and the absence of new deaths indicate that interventions are working. Residents are also adhering to public health advice and safety measures.
“We supplied Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention materials, and other health consumables. WHO donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals to support the prison’s health facilities. Immediate water and sanitation issues have been corrected, and inspections of other correctional facilities are ongoing,” Abayomi said.
The original outbreak two weeks ago was traced to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supplies. Samples from popular street beverages confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae bacteria, the cause of cholera. None of the containers had NAFDAC accreditation numbers, indicating informal production.
“Identifying the exact location of manufacture has been difficult. The environmental health directorate plans to seal any unregulated manufacturing sites and arrest those involved in the production or distribution of beverages without NAFDAC numbers,” Abayomi stated.
The state government, through its “One Health” approach, is enforcing environmental health countermeasures. This includes collaboration with Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies to ensure widespread sanitation, inspection, and disinfection of boreholes, and the supply of potable water to affected areas.
“Henceforth, higher sanitary and regulatory standards for eateries, food handlers, beverage manufacturers, and groundwater will be implemented to curb food and water-borne diseases in Lagos,” he added.
Abayomi stressed the need for continued vigilance and adherence to public health measures. He urged the public to take personal responsibility for consuming safe water, food, and beverages, maintain good personal hygiene, start oral rehydration therapy, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting develop.
Treatment of suspected cholera remains free in all government hospitals. Abayomi assured the public that with continued collaboration and vigilance, Lagos is taking decisive actions to combat and control the cholera spread, safeguarding residents’ health and well-being.
The state government’s proactive measures include distributing essential medical supplies, improving sanitation, and regulating the production and distribution of street beverages. By addressing the root causes of the outbreak and ensuring compliance with health standards, Lagos aims to prevent future incidents.
Community awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate the public about the risks of consuming unregulated street beverages and the importance of using safe water sources. These efforts are crucial in preventing the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The collaborative approach involving multiple government agencies and international organizations highlights the importance of a unified response to public health crises. With these measures in place, Lagos is making significant progress in managing the cholera outbreak and protecting its residents.
Source: The Guardian
