Three confirmed dead after cholera outbreak in Lagos

The Government of Lagos state has confirmed the outbreak of cholera in the state.

The sad and shocking development was made known yesterday by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris.

According to him, three persons have been confirmed dead out of the 13 cases reported to the Ministry.

He specifically named the worst affected areas as Ajeromi, Apapa, Lagos Island, Oshodi-Isolo, and Surulere local government.

Idris said contaminated wells, local food and uwashed hands were the most probable sources and causes of the epidemic.

He said “The suspected cases that were recorded have been contracted from food sources such as the African food salad popularly called Abacha, well-water sources, especially in areas like Ikare community, Amuwo-Odofin local government area and Badia area of Apapa local government area, as well as other infected foods from food sellers—and other unhygienic habits.

“If you suspect a case of the disease, report it to the the nearest health facility, or the Directorate of disease control in the state Ministry of health,” The Minister said.

He added that, “Cholera is an acute contagious bacterial disease characterized by severe form of sudden onset of profuse painless watery stools, nausea and profuse vomiting. The disease is acquired through the ingestion of an infective dose of contaminated food or water, and could be transmitted through many mechanisms like direct or indirect contamination of water or food by faeces of infected individuals.

“Cholera should be suspected in any person who develops diarrhoea with or without vomiting, weakness, restlessness, irritability, dry mucous membrane, low blood pressure, leg cramps, excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration), or dies from frequent stooling, hence, adequate measures should be taken in order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease,” Dr. Jide Idris informed.