Mrs Grace Adesola, Director of Health Education and Health Promotion Service at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, has detailed the measures being implemented to combat the sudden spread of the cholera outbreak in Lagos State.
The development follows the recent treatment of four individuals at the General Hospital in Ikorodu.
Recently speaking to Ikorodu News Network about the state’s efforts, Mrs Adesola revealed that the Lagos State government has heightened its disease surveillance through the records of hospitals and health centres across the state.
These efforts aim to monitor the outbreak’s progression and effectively respond to new cases.
While acknowledging that the outbreak has resulted in fatalities, Mrs. Adesola assured that many affected individuals have been successfully treated and discharged.
She emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating, “We have been sensitizing Lagosians since the rainy season started because we know that such sickness will find its way.”
Mrs. Adesola further explained that 12 out of the 20 local government areas in Lagos State have been impacted by the outbreak.
She attributed the spread of cholera to the consumption of contaminated water and food, urging residents to be vigilant about their sources of water and food hygiene.
To prevent further spread, health education officers have been deployed across Lagos to engage with communities. This awareness campaign is integrated with other health-oriented initiatives to maximize its reach and effectiveness.
Mrs. Adesola provided several practical recommendations for residents, including:
- Ensuring drinking water is sourced from healthy, virus-free sources.
- Parboiling or chlorinating water if the source is questionable.
- Using treated bottled water when possible.
- Keeping environments clean and safely disposing of waste and excretions.
- Avoiding open defecation in communities.
- Properly covering stored water and boiling it if necessary.
- Practicing personal hygiene, such as regular hand washing with soap, cooking and storing food safely, and washing raw fruits thoroughly before consumption.
These measures, she asserted, are crucial for preventing the contraction and spread of cholera.
Mrs Adesola urged the public to remain vigilant and report any symptoms, particularly the passage of watery stool, to the nearest healthcare centre immediately.
Addressing the specific situation in Ikorodu, Mrs. Adesola confirmed that four cholera cases were reported but reassured that all affected individuals received treatment at the General Hospital and have since recovered.
“The Lagos State government continues to take proactive steps to manage the outbreak and safeguard public health, but the importance of community cooperation and adherence to health guidelines is key” Mrs Adesola added.
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