Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, has revealed that eight of the nine confirmed cholera cases in the state originated from Lagos State, where the carriers reportedly drank tiger nut drink.
He said so far, the state has recorded 25 suspected cases of cholera, out of which nine were confirmed, with one dead.
Speaking at a press conference held on Monday in Abeokuta, Coker explained that eight carriers of cholera had a travel history to Lagos where six of them took tiger nut milk.
She said, “The initial eight cases originated from Lagos state the reported epicentre of the Cholera outbreak and a state that shares a border with 4 of our local governments.
“The eight cases had travel history to Lagos and 6 of them reported taking tiger nut drinks while in Lagos.
“Furthermore, we also promptly diagnosed cholera in 5 of the contacts of the patients with a travel history to Lagos State.”
The commissioner said, prior to the outbreak, as part of the state preparedness, a robust surveillance system was in place in all 20 local government areas, which ensured prompt detection of cases.
Coker said in support of the state response, the state Epidemiology Unit, was on high alert adding that all LGA’s Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have also intensified surveillance across all 20 council areas.
She said, “Our private health facilities and citizens have been sensitized to heighten their index of suspicion and report any suspected case immediately to the LGA DSNO, and the State response team by calling the following phone numbers 08038642812, 07034214893, and 08084250881.
“All our 20 LGAs have trained rapid-response teams ready to respond to calls at short notice in collaboration with Ogun State Emergency and Ambulance Service.
“Also, cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGAs and designated treatment centres to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of Cholera is free across all government facilities in Ogun State.
The latest update on the ongoing cholera outbreak by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the country has recorded 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths in 31 states across 107 Local Government Areas.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris disclosed this on Monday at a press briefing on the update of the cholera situation in the country.
He noted that the Federal Government has also activated the National Emergency Operation Centre for cholera.
He said, “As of June 24, 2024, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths have been recorded across 31 states and 107 LGAs with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of the year.
“These fatalities are not just statistics but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often a seasoned healthcare worker and team member. This situation is compounded as the rainy season intensifies.”
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