Lagos State has reported a suspected outbreak of cholera, with at least five people dead and over 60 hospitalized.
The outbreak was discovered following cases of severe gastroenteritis reported in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGAs.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has also issued a warning about an "increasing trend of cholera cases across the country as the raining season intensifies." From January 1 to June 11, 2024, a total of 65 deaths and 30 confirmed cases have been reported from 30 states.
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Cholera is a disease caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the vibrio cholerae bacterium. Symptoms include painless watery diarrhea, profuse vomiting, fever, restlessness, and weakness.
The disease is preventable and curable, with most infected individuals experiencing no or mild symptoms and being successfully treated with oral rehydration solution.
To reduce the risk of cholera, the NCDC recommends avoiding all foods from street vendors, raw fruits, and vegetables, as well as raw or undercooked seafood.
It is also important to ensure that food is well cooked before consumption, to boil water before drinking, and to wash hands with soap and clean water, especially before handling and eating food and after using the bathroom.
The prevention of cholera is closely related to its spread, as infected individuals can spread the disease if their feces contaminate the water system.
People living in areas with limited access to clean water and poor sanitation and hygiene are most at risk.
As the rainy season continues, it is essential for residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
