CHOLERA ALERT In Lagos ; Three Dead (Update).

The Government of Lagos state have confirmed the outbreak of cholera.The development was just confirmed by the state Commissioner for health, Dr. Jide Idris.
There have already been three deaths out of the 13 reported cases, he says.He named the worst affected areas to date: Ajeromi, Apapa, Lagos Island, Oshodi-Isolo, Surulere local government.

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

The supected cases that were recorded have been contracted from food sources such as the African food salad popularly called Abasha, 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.

 

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.

Measures to be taken to reduce the risk of contracting the disease:

• washing of hands with soaps and water frequently and thoroughly;
• boiling of water before drinking if the source of the water was in doubts;
• washing of fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating;
• cooking of food thoroughly before eating;
• disposing of waste material properly;
• keeping of water containers clean.

in the case of suspected cholera, members of the public should prepare oral rehydration solution: 10 level teaspoonful of sugar and one level teaspoonful of salt in two 35cl bottles, also give the suspect a lot of fluids to drink; also, keep giving the suspect food as soon as it could be tolerated; and, thereafter, visit the nearest hospital whether the condition of the suspect improves or not.

Health workers were urged to be on alert and report suspected outbreak of more than five cases in their facilities to the State Ministry of health, saying that people could also call the following numbers: 08023169485 or 0802321333 for assistance

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