As Lagos faces a deadly cholera outbreak, the city’s health officials are urging residents to take immediate precautionary measures. With five fatalities and 60 hospitalizations reported, the situation has become critical.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director-General, Jide Idris, notes that Lagos, along with Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, and Nasarawa states, accounts for 90 percent of the nation’s cholera cases.
Surging Cases and Areas of Concern
Lagos has seen a sharp increase in severe gastroenteritis cases, particularly in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has confirmed that the state government is actively collecting data on the outbreak to coordinate an effective response.
He says: “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,”
Government Efforts and Public Responsibility
The Lagos State government has initiated efforts to combat the outbreak by collecting data and coordinating responses.
Health officials are also urging citizens to follow food safety guidelines and stay informed through updates from health authorities. Suspected cholera cases should be reported immediately via emergency hotlines 08023169485, 08137412348, or helplines 767 and 112.
Understanding Cholera and Its Spread
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the transmission of cholera is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Globally, researchers estimate up to 4 million cholera cases annually, resulting in as many as 143,000 deaths. However, children under five, particularly those who are malnourished, are especially vulnerable to severe symptoms.
According to The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, a lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities is closely linked to an increased likelihood of cholera transmission.
Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere says good water and sanitation infrastructure is key to reducing outbreak of cholera.
“Increasing access to safe drinking water, improving sanitation and hygiene, and better water management can prevent almost one-tenth of the global disease burden. Community access to sanitation, like simple latrines, prevents drinking water contamination from human waste, reducing infections. Regular handwashing with soap and safe drinking water storage are also high-impact practices.”
Preventing and Managing Cholera
During a cholera outbreak, quick and effective treatment is essential. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) should be distributed to treatment clinics in heavily impacted communities. Early and proper treatment can significantly reduce the fatality rate. For children under five, zinc supplements are crucial as they reduce the duration and severity of the illness.
Practical Prevention Tips
– Safe Drinking Water: Ensure water is safe by boiling, chlorination, or using bottled water. Avoid ice products made from untreated water.
– Sanitation: Use proper sanitation practices, including toilets, safe waste disposal, and avoiding open defecation.
– Handwashing: Wash hands consistently with soap and clean water, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet.
Other Prevention Methods
Cholera prevention primarily hinges on ensuring access to safe water and proper sanitation. This involves boiling water, using water purification tablets, or utilizing reliable water filters to make water safe for drinking.
Communities must do well to invest in infrastructure that guarantees clean water supply and proper sewage disposal to prevent contamination of water sources. Proper sanitation facilities, such as clean toilets and latrines, need to be maintained and placed at a safe distance from water sources. These facilities should be designed to handle waste effectively, preventing any leakage that could contaminate drinking water supplies.
Equally important are hygiene practices and food safety. Regular handwashing with soap and clean water, especially before meals and after using the restroom, is crucial in minimizing the risk of cholera transmission.
Additionally, food should be cooked thoroughly, and raw foods such as fruits and vegetables should be washed with safe water or peeled. Avoiding consumption of food from street vendors, unless its safety can be guaranteed, is also advisable. These measures collectively reduce the ingestion of cholera-causing bacteria and maintain overall health.
Furthermore, education and vaccination play vital roles in cholera prevention. Public health campaigns can effectively educate communities about the importance of good hygiene practices, the need for clean water, and how to recognize cholera symptoms. Such awareness can prompt early treatment, reducing the severity and spread of the disease.
Vaccination programs, particularly in areas prone to cholera outbreaks, offer additional protection. Cholera vaccines provide temporary immunity and can be crucial during outbreaks, supplementing other preventive measures. Together, these strategies form a comprehensive approach to controlling and preventing cholera, ensuring community health and safety.
A Community Effort
As Lagos battles this cholera outbreak, the cooperation between government initiatives and public adherence to safety measures is crucial. By understanding the risks and following preventive practices, the community can work together to mitigate the impact of this deadly disease.
