The Lagos State Government finds itself in the throes of a worsening cholera outbreak, as the number of fatalities climbs to a concerning 35. This follows an earlier update reporting 401 suspected cases and a grim 15 deaths.
A Cause for Alarm: Rising Cases and Geographic Spread
The latest update, delivered by the state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, on his Instagram handle on Saturday, painted a picture of escalating case numbers. As of June 20, 2024, Lagos has recorded a troubling 417 suspected cases, with 35 confirmed and a heartbreaking 24 deaths.
Dr Abayomi underscored the geographically widespread nature of the outbreak by sharing graphs that illustrate the distribution of cases across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the state. These visuals also track the concerning trajectory of suspected cases over time.
A Call to Action: Prioritizing Public Hygiene
Faced with this escalating situation, the Lagos State Government is urging residents to make personal and environmental hygiene practices a top priority. This includes frequent handwashing with soap and clean water, proper food handling and sanitation, and ensuring safe water consumption. Contaminated food and water are the primary transmission routes for cholera, and these hygiene measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Containing the Outbreak
The Lagos State Emergency Operations Center is at the forefront of the fight against the outbreak, working in collaboration with various partners to implement a multifaceted response plan. Here’s a breakdown of their key efforts:
- Contact Tracing: Meticulously identifying and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to infected patients to prevent further transmission. Early identification and isolation of cases are essential to curb the spread of the disease.
- Community-Based Surveillance: Proactively monitoring communities for new cases and potential outbreaks to nip the spread in the bud. Public health workers are deployed to high-risk areas to screen residents for symptoms and educate them about preventive measures.
- Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about essential cholera prevention measures and the early warning signs of the disease to empower them to protect themselves and their loved ones. This includes widespread dissemination of informative materials through various channels, like radio announcements, social media campaigns, and community meetings.
- Rapid Diagnostic Testing: Swiftly diagnosing suspected cases to confirm cholera and guide appropriate treatment decisions, saving valuable time in critical situations. Rapid diagnostic tests allow for early intervention and the administration of life-saving rehydration therapy.
- Ensuring Medical Care: Guaranteeing confirmed cholera patients receive prompt and effective medical care, including rehydration therapy, to prevent complications and death. Rehydration therapy, which can involve intravenous fluids or oral rehydration solutions, is critical for replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes in patients with severe diarrhoea.
READ ALSO: https://thecrux.com.ng/abia-reports-no-confirmed-cholera-cases-amid-109-suspected-outbreaks/
A Global Context: Cholera on the Rise
The outbreak in Lagos is unfortunately not an isolated incident. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a significant surge in cholera cases worldwide, with nearly 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported across 24 countries since the beginning of 2024.
The WHO reports that the Eastern Mediterranean Region currently faces the heaviest burden of cases, followed by Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Thankfully, no cases have been reported in the Western Region as of June 19th.
Vaccine Shortages and a Glimpse of Hope
The WHO also highlighted the global depletion of oral cholera vaccines by March 2024. However, a positive development emerged in early June when they managed to surpass the emergency target of five million doses for the first time this year, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against the disease. While vaccination is not a foolproof solution, it can significantly reduce the severity of cholera symptoms and help control outbreaks.
Understanding Cholera: A Devastating Diarrhoeal Illness
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by ingesting contaminated food or water harbouring the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It triggers severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to rapid dehydration. If left untreated, severe cholera can be fatal within hours. Cholera is particularly dangerous for young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
In Nigeria, cholera is a seasonal and recurring problem, particularly during the rainy season and in areas with inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
