What you need to know
The cholera epidemic in Lagos has been a significant concern. As of a recent report, there have been cases of severe gastroenteritis reported in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGA. This has resulted in approximately 60 hospital admissions and five deaths, primarily from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been actively monitoring and coordinating responses across the states. In the last reported week, Lagos reported nine suspected cases of cholera. The NCDC’s efforts continue to focus on rapid response interventions, especially in communities with high transmission rates, to control the epidemic.
What is cholera?
Cholera is characterised by a number of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. The major symptoms of cholera include:
- Diarrhoea: Often severe and watery, sometimes described as “rice-water stools” because they may have a pale, milky appearance.
- Nausea and vomiting: Can occur, especially in the early stages of the infection.
- Dehydration: Can develop within hours after the symptoms start, and may be severe. Signs include irritability, fatigue, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, extreme thirst, dry and shrivelled skin, little or no urinating, low blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Rapid loss of minerals such as sodium, chloride, and potassium can lead to muscle cramps and shock, a life-threatening condition due to low blood volume causing a drop in blood pressure and a decrease in the amount of oxygen in your body.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is essential for recovery, and with prompt rehydration, even severe cases can survive. Remember to maintain good hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of cholera.
How is the Lagos State Ministry of Health stemming the cholera scourge?
Perhaps, because the disease has not become so rampant, cholera vaccines are not being administered for now. However, the Lagos State Ministry of Health has taken several proactive measures to address the cholera epidemic. Here are some of the key actions they are implementing:
- Heightened surveillance: The Ministry has activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response system to monitor the situation closely.
- Investigation of water sources: There is an ongoing investigation into a possible water contamination source in the Lekki Victoria Island axis, which is suspected to be linked to the outbreak.
- Public health advisory: The Ministry is issuing public health advisories urging citizens to adopt precautionary measures such as ensuring safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water.
- Sanitation and hygiene promotion: Emphasis is being placed on maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of faeces, avoiding open defecation, and practising good hygiene like washing hands with soap and clean water regularly.
- Treatment and rehydration: Treatment options for cholera, including rehydration using oral rehydration salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration and intravenous fluids for severely dehydrated patients, are being provided in medical facilities under supervision.
These efforts are aimed at controlling the spread of cholera and ensuring the health and safety of the residents of Lagos. The Ministry continues to work diligently to manage the epidemic and prevent further cases.
How can Lagosians avoid cholera?
During the cholera epidemic, Lagosians can take several important steps to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of the disease:
- Ensure safe drinking water: Boil water before drinking, use chlorine to treat it, or opt for bottled water. Avoid ice made from untreated water.
- Maintain proper sanitation: Use toilets for defecation and safely dispose of faeces. Avoid open defecation to prevent contamination of water sources.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating or preparing food, and after using the toilet.
- Food safety: Prepare food under hygienic conditions. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and cook food well before consumption.
- Community Engagement: Work with local health authorities and community leaders to improve sanitation facilities and access to clean water.
- Seek medical attention. If you or someone you know shows symptoms of cholera, such as severe diarrhoea or dehydration, seek medical help immediately.
Why is Lagos prone to cholera?
Lagos is particularly vulnerable to cholera outbreaks for several reasons:
- High Population Density: Lagos is one of the most densely populated cities in Africa, which can facilitate the rapid spread of diseases like cholera.
- Urban Slums and Crowded Areas: Many residents live in slums and crowded areas with inadequate sanitation facilities, making it easier for cholera to spread.
- Poor Water Treatment and Sanitation: The city faces challenges with water treatment and sanitation infrastructure. Inadequate access to clean water and proper sewage disposal contribute to the risk of cholera outbreaks.
- Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Lagos often experiences heavy rainfall, leading to flooding that can contaminate water sources and erode sanitation facilities, further increasing the risk of cholera transmission.
- Late Presentation for Treatment: There is a tendency for patients to present late with symptoms, often in a state of extreme dehydration, which can increase the fatality rate of the disease.
These factors, combined, create an environment where cholera can thrive and spread quickly. The government and public health agencies must address these vulnerabilities to prevent future outbreaks.
Emergency Hotlines: The Lagos State Ministry of Health has provided emergency hotlines for reporting suspected cholera cases and seeking guidance: 08023169485, 08137412348, or helplines 767 or 1121.
Residents are advised to rely on the state Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance and advice on prevention and treatment. The public must remain alert and adhere to the recommended health and safety measures to mitigate the impact of the outbreak. Stay safe and informed.
