Lagos has reported 25 cholera cases in Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, according to the State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi.
These cases of severe gastroenteritis were confirmed to be caused by cholera.
This information was released in a press statement on Sunday by the Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo.
Prof Abayomi assured that urgent medical and environmental interventions have been successfully implemented.
He provided this update on the cholera outbreak following the “One Health” inter-governmental agency strategic meeting held over the weekend.
“We were able to supply Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention, and other health consumables,” he said.
“Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals which have been delivered to the prison to support prison health facilities with prevention strategies for about 3,200 inmates if required.”
He stated that immediate water and sanitation issues have been resolved, and inspections of other correctional facilities in the state are ongoing.
Cholera cases
Prof Abayomi stated that while no new cholera-related deaths have been reported in the past 72 hours, the government is intensifying efforts to eliminate transmission.
He confirmed that there is evidence of ongoing low-level community transmission, despite a decrease in new daily cases and deaths.
He, however, noted that interventions are proving effective as residents are following public health advice on safety measures and seeking early treatment when symptoms arise.
Regarding the source of the outbreak, the commissioner revealed that it has been traced to unregulated street beverages and a contaminated water supply.
He explained that samples taken from popular street beverages, purchased by undercover environmental officers from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Health in the affected areas confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholera bacteria, which causes cholera.
“All of the containers had no NAFDAC accreditation numbers, indicating they are small cottage backyard informal production units,” he said.
“Identifying the precise location of manufacture has proven difficult and the directorate of environmental health is planning to seal any such unregulated manufacture and make arrests of anybody involved with the manufacture or distribution of beverages without NAFDAC numbers.”
The Commissioner stressed the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health precautions.
He urged the public to take personal responsibility by consuming safe water, food, and beverages, maintaining good hygiene, starting oral rehydration therapy, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting occur.
He noted that treatment for suspected cholera is free in all government hospitals.
He assured the public there is no need to panic and expressed optimism that with ongoing collaboration, vigilance, and commitment from all stakeholders, the State is taking decisive actions to effectively combat and control the spread of cholera, safeguarding residents’ health and well-being.