See The Causes of Cholera Outbreak in Lagos has—Government
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, discussed the recent cholera outbreak with Victoria Edeme, highlighting its causes and impacts.
**Primary Causes of the Cholera Outbreak**
Dr. Ogunyemi stated that cholera cases in Nigeria are not uncommon, typically managed as isolated incidents. However, an unusual surge between June 10th and 11th, 2024, marked an outbreak, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti-Osa being the most affected areas. The rainy season’s environmental conditions, such as inadequate clean water, open defecation, and flooding, have contributed to the spread of cholera, as these factors lead to the contamination of water sources.
The state’s response included awareness campaigns and promoting hygiene practices, which helped in reducing the number of cases.
**Factors Contributing to the Outbreak in Specific Areas**
Dr. Ogunyemi revealed that environmental health officials discovered a common factor in the affected Eti-Osa area: consumption of unregistered tiger nut drinks. During investigations, it was found that those who fell ill had consumed these drinks, which were not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Efforts to trace the source of these drinks were hampered by the lack of reachable contact information on the bottles.
Testing of stool samples from affected individuals confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae subtype 01, a highly infectious strain. Immediate measures included setting up an emergency office and discouraging self-medication with antibiotics, instead promoting hospital visits for proper diagnosis and treatment.
**Impact of the Outbreak on Public Health and Daily Life**
The outbreak, which initially caused 15 fatalities, saw an increase to 21 cases as of a recent report. Symptoms of cholera include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and rapid heart rate. The infection can manifest within 24 hours of exposure to contaminated food or water. Early medical intervention is crucial, and rehydration therapy is emphasized to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
**Response and Collaboration**
The Lagos State government has been proactive in its response, conducting sensitization campaigns and removing unsafe tiger nut drinks from the affected communities. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other national and international health organizations like UNICEF, the Red Cross, and WHO are actively involved in managing the outbreak, ensuring monitoring and support to prevent further spread.
**Emergency Preparedness and Public Awareness**
Although the NCDC has not yet declared a cholera emergency, ongoing risk assessments and monitoring are in place. The public is encouraged to maintain hygiene practices, boil water, and seek medical attention promptly. Free treatment for cholera is available at all public hospitals and primary healthcare centers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to managing the outbreak without causing public panic.
