By Aanuoluwapo Akande
In 1972, Nigeria announced its first appearance of epidemic cholera but that would not be the only appearance.
There was a full-fledged outbreak from 1972 to 1990.
And since then, one would have thought Nigeria should have mastered the art of preventing the occurrence of many other outbreaks but this is not quite the case.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, it was conjectured that more than 260 people died of cholera in four Northern states, with over 96 people in Maiduguri, Biu, Gwoza, Dikwa, and Jere council areas of Bauchi state.
In 2010, 18 states reported cholera outbreaks with a total of 41,787 cases including 1,716 deaths.
In 2022, there were 473,000 cholera cases– (double the number from 2021).
Now in 2024, the Lagos state government has declared another cholera outbreak.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed 60 hospital admissions of severe gastroenteritis and 5 deaths have been recorded in just Lagos state alone.
The NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) also reinforced the credibility of this news by adding that there has been 1141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases of cholera and 30 deaths from the whole of January to 11th of June, 2024.
Since cholera is known to be transmitted by the indigestion of contaminated food and water,
the NCDC has blamed the occurrence of this outbreak on poor sanitation, personal and environmental hygiene, and lack of access to clean water.
Also, we are in the rainy season where cholera occurs more often so we are to brace up to prevent ourselves from having and contaminating others with this disease.
Now, individuals alone can't prevent the spread of cholera by themselves.
It's important that all hands are on deck to wage this war against cholera .
Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier has for one, called out the government to provide clean water, and toilets for their citizens.
So, how has the government helped so far in this fight against cholera?
According to the Lagos health commissioner, he says
"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."
Also stated in an article published by UNICEF, the Lagos state government has intervened in these three ways:
- The Emergency Operations Centre has been convening daily since 11 June, with representation from line ministries and international organizations.
- On 12 June, the state government, demonstrating swift action, activated the Rapid Response Teams composed of health, WASH, and risk communication government experts at the level of Local Government Areas (LGAs)
- The government prepositioned cholera kits across 24 health facilities in 20 LGAs at the end of May.
Lagos state is not the only one buckling down to fight this disease.
Ogun state has also joined Lagos to fight against this outbreak as the state Commissioner, for Health, Banji Ajaka on Monday, mentioned that the state has activated its surveillance for immediate response to any case of cholera in the state.
He also said that there would soon be an emergency preparedness committee that would be in charge of the provision of portable water, sanitation, and strengthening of the health institutions and other relevant sectors.
So, as the government is doing its best to prevent the spread of cholera, we should also take the reins to protect ourselves and our neighbors by adhering to these simple rules:
▪️Wash your hands, especially after using the toilet, and before you cook your food.
▪️In places where there's no water, use hand sanitizers.
▪️Only drink bottled water or boiled tap water.
▪️Do not eat uncooked fruit and vegetables (including salads) that have not been washed.
▪️ You can use Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration.
▪️However, if it's a severe case of cholera, you would have to take the individual to the hospital fast.
It's also important to watch out for the symptoms of cholera like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
And remember, just as you're protecting yourself against cholera, make sure you get your neighbors on board too by enlightening them on how to prevent it.
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