Winifred Bosa , Lagos.

Due to an upsurge of acute diarrhoea diseases in some Local Government Areas of Lagos state , two persons are dead while 25 others are still receiving treatment in different hospitals.

According to the state ministry of health ,  the diarrhoea diseases was triggered by the heavy rainfall being experienced in the State recently and the aftermath flooding of some areas in the State.

“The main suspected source of infection is the contamination of water sources with faecal matter from faulty septic tanks and soak-away following the heavy rainfall. Samples of well water were collected and sent to the Lagos State Drug Quality Control Laboratory. We are still expecting the results of the analysis ,”  said Dr. Jide Idris the
Commissioner of Health.

Dr Idris explained  that acute diarrhoea disease with or without vomiting is caused by a bacteria disease transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with infective faeces.

” Food or water contamination is usually due to poor sanitation and the source of contamination is usually other cholera cases when they are infective watery stool gets into food or drinking water supplies. Prevention can be achieved through basic water sanitation.”

The health  commissioner emphasized that the provision of safe water and sanitation is critical in reducing the impact of cholera and other water-borne diseases .

” About 75% of people infected with V. cholera do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 7–14 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people. Among people who develop symptoms, 80% have mild or moderate symptoms, while around 20% develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if untreated. The case fatality of Cholera ranges from less than 1% in treated cases to as high as 50% in severe cases , ” he explained

However in detail , Dr Idris stated that Specifically the upsurge has been reported in Somolu LGA (on 19th July 2017), Oshodi-Isolo LGA (on 20thJuly 2017) and Surulere LGA (on 21st July 2017).Twenty Seven (27) cases have been line-listed by the Epidemiolgy/Disease Surveillance Officers in the State as at  25th July, 2017.Regrettably, two (2) deaths were recorded from the 27 cases.”

He said that in Somolu LGA: Six  cases were recorded with one death , while four were managed at Somolu GH, one was managed at a private hospital, another one was managed at Mainland Hospital, while one died at home and two of the cases are still on admission.

At Oshodi-Isolo LGA, two  cases were recorded one was managed at a private hospital and he is alive, while one died at home.

At Surulere LGA ,14 cases were reported and managed at Randle General Hospital and no death was recorded.
Two cases were managed at Mainland Hospital, both are alive. Three cases were managed at Gbagada GH and all are alive. The cases managed at the two hospitals are currently being investigated.

“Majority of the cases presented with the typical diarrhoea and vomiting associated with cholera.Ano-rectal swabs were collected from two cases from Somolu GH and taken to the Central Public Health Laboratory, Yaba. One of the two specimen yielded Vibrocholerae001 Ogawa serotype growth. “

On the clinical manifestations of Cholera , Idris said they are nausea, profuse diarrhoea, vomiting (in early stages of illness), fever and leg cramp. Later presentations are dehydration, shock or coma adding that the risk of contracting cholera is increased mainly by poor water and environmental sanitation, including open defecation.

Speaking on instituted measures towards quick containment and control of the outbreak , he said that Medical Directors of General Hospitals have been placed on alert and fact sheets on Cholera forwarded to both public and private hospitals.

“Our community health workers, especially the Medical Officers of Health, Health Educators, Disease Surveillance/Notification Officers, Environmental Health Officers are in the community striving assiduously towards quick containment and control of spread of the disease.”

” Chlorination of water supply has been intensified, awareness campaign is on-going and cases are being promptly diagnosed and appropriately managed in our hospitals.”

“Other prevention and control measures instituted by the State government are:
· Community sensitization and awareness creation through airing of jingles on Cholera on electronic media and public address system on environmental sanitation, avoidance of open defecation and water sanitation
Designation of isolation wards in all General Hospitals.”

The Lagos State government hereby advises the general public to take the following precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease:

” Wash  hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly.  Boil water before drinking, especially if you are not sure of the source.  Keep all cooking utensils, plates, cutleries, cups and other materials clean before and after use.
Cover foods and water sources. Cook foods adequately. “

“Also , store foods in fridges. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Dispose of waste materials appropriately. There should be no open defecation. There should be no body contact, especially hand contact with faeces. Ensure regular food handlers’ test.  Provision of effective and hygienic toilet facility”

And when cholera is suspected, he advised thus ” Prepare oral rehydration solution (10 level teaspoonful of sugar + 1 level teaspoon of salt in two 35cl bottles). Keep giving food as soon as it can be tolerated . Report any case of diarrhoea and vomiting to the nearest public or private health facilities.  “

He thereby called on all to report any case of diarrhoea and vomiting to the nearest health facility or call any of the following lines: 08037170614, 08023169485, 08052817243 and 08173577579.