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5 individuals have reportedly died and 60 others hospitalized from the outbreak of extreme gastroenteritis in communities round Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe native authorities areas of Lagos State.
This was disclosed by Lagos State Commissioner for Well being, Prof. Akin Abayomi on Tuesday whereas reacting to the state surveillance stories.
In response to him, the state authorities has issued a name for heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to stop the unfold of a possible cholera outbreak within the state.
Abayomi additional revealed that sadly, 5 deaths have been recorded primarily from sufferers presenting late with excessive dehydration.
“We’ve got activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response. The Ministry of Well being Directorate of Environmental Well being and the Lagos State Environmental Safety Company (LASEPA) have been alerted to research a potential water contamination supply within the Lekki Victoria Island axis. We suspect a potential cholera outbreak; nonetheless, samples have been taken for affirmation. As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera circumstances and 14 deaths throughout 25 states,” he mentioned.
The Commissioner famous that following latest rains, Lagos State has seen a notable enhance in circumstances of extreme vomiting and watery stools, including that city slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are notably in danger.
Abayomi defined that cholera is a extremely contagious illness that causes extreme diarrhea and will be life-threatening, including that it poses a big well being burden in areas with poor water remedy and sanitation, and will influence Lagos State.
“Cholera spreads by means of direct transmission by consuming or ingesting contaminated meals or water, and oblique transmission as a consequence of poor sanitation and lack of hand washing. Signs of cholera embody extreme watery diarrhea, vomiting, speedy dehydration, muscle cramps, fever and typically collapse,” he mentioned.
In response to him, remedy choices for cholera embody rehydration utilizing Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for gentle to reasonable dehydration.
He added that Intravenous Fluids might be adopted for severely dehydrated sufferers given solely in medical amenities and supervised by medical personnel.
“To stop cholera, residents are urged to make sure protected ingesting water by boiling, chlorinating, or utilizing bottled water, and avoiding ice merchandise produced from untreated water. Sustaining correct sanitation through the use of bathrooms, safely disposing of faeces, and avoiding open defecation is essential.
“Working towards good hygiene, reminiscent of washing fingers with cleaning soap and clear water repeatedly, particularly earlier than consuming, getting ready meals, and after utilizing the bathroom, is crucial and following meals security pointers,” the Commissioner suggested.
He enjoined residents to depend on the Lagos State Ministry of Well being, the Nigeria Centre for Illness Management (NCDC), and accredited native well being amenities for steering, recommendation, and updates on prevention, remedy, and administration.
The commissioner added that suspected circumstances will be reported by way of the next emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or through the use of helplines 767 or 112.
Whereas emphasising the significance of sustaining excessive requirements of hygiene and taking proactive measures to stop cholera outbreaks, Professor Abayomi promised to maintain the general public knowledgeable and restated the dedication of the Authorities of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to making sure the well being and well-being of its residents.
“We urge everybody to undertake these preventive measures and report any suspected circumstances promptly to safeguard our communities,” he acknowledged.
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