Ogun State has been grappling with a significant cholera outbreak, with a total of 238 cases and 12 deaths reported in the past month [1]. The state government confirmed these alarming figures on Thursday, shedding light on the severity of the situation.
Outbreak Details:
The initial outbreak was reported in the Ijebu North Local Government Area, where three deaths were recorded [1].
The disease quickly spread to the Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South Local Government Areas, both located in the state capital [1].
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, provided an update on the situation, revealing that out of the 236 cases recorded so far, 12 have resulted in fatalities [1].
Causes and Response:
Dr. Coker attributed the outbreak to a combination of factors, including a high prevalence of open defecation, poor waste management, and inadequate water sources [1].
To address the situation, the government has initiated the chlorination of wells in the worst-hit area, Ijebu North [1].
The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant government agencies to contain the spread of the disease [1].
Dr. Coker emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to eliminate the spread of cholera, and officials from the State Public Health Department are actively educating residents on essential hygiene practices to prevent the disease [2].
Impact of Open Defecation:
The prevalence of open defecation in Ogun State has been identified as a significant contributing factor to the outbreak [2].
Fecal materials from open defecation find their way into shallow wells, which many residents use as a water source, leading to contamination [2].
Microbiological testing conducted in Ijebu-North Local Government revealed that 75% of the 52 shallow wells tested showed evidence of fecal contamination with coliform bacteria [2].
Preventive Measures:
Dr. Coker urged residents to cease open defecation and emphasized the importance of constructing affordable toilets and sanitary wells in homes [2].
The government also warned that houses without toilets may be sealed in the interest of public health [2].
Additionally, residents are advised to boil their water, cover it when stored, wash their hands before eating, cook food thoroughly, and dispose of waste properly to prevent the spread of cholera [2].
NCDC Confirms 2,860 Cholera Cases and 84 Deaths in… The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has released a concerning report, revealing that between January and August 27, 2023, the nation has recorded a total of 2,860 suspected cases of cholera, resulting…
Ogun State Government Collaborates with Table Water… In response to the ongoing Cholera outbreak that has claimed at least 12 lives in some regions of Ogun State, the Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, is taking proactive measures to address…
Pharmaceutical Sovereignty: Learning from Big… Stakeholders in the healthcare sector are shedding light on the harsh realities faced by developing nations when dealing with major pharmaceutical companies. The recent revelation of South Africa's vaccine contracts with Big Pharma has ignited…
NCDC Reports 1,968 Lassa Fever Cases in 28 States:… The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has sounded the alarm, announcing that the country is grappling with a significant outbreak of Lassa fever. According to the latest data published on its official…
