Health

Cholera Outbreak: One Fatality Confirmed, 25 Cases Across Seven Local Government Areas

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 24, 2024

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The Ogun State Government has officially declared a cholera outbreak after confirming 25 cases across seven local government areas (LGAs) with one reported fatality in Ijebu North LGA. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta.

According to Dr. Coker, the outbreak was initially detected on June 12, 2024, with the first two cases originating from Lagos State, a neighboring state to four of Ogun’s LGAs. Subsequently, the state recorded a total of 25 suspected cases in Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode LGAs, with nine cases confirmed and one death reported.

Dr. Coker emphasized the state’s preparedness to manage the outbreak, highlighting that surveillance and emergency treatment measures have been activated across all 20 LGAs. She urged residents to maintain high standards of personal and public hygiene to curb the spread of the disease.

In response to the outbreak, the state’s Epidemiology Unit is on high alert, and disease surveillance officers in all LGAs have intensified monitoring efforts. The government has distributed cholera test kits and treatment supplies to all designated centers, ensuring that treatment is provided free of charge in government health facilities.

Collaborating with various stakeholders including the Ministries of Environment, Information, Education, and emergency services, the Ogun State Ministry of Health has activated its Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate response efforts. The public is being sensitized through various media channels on prevention practices and the importance of hygiene.

Residents are urged to practice proper hand hygiene, ensure food and water safety, avoid open defecation, and promptly report any suspected cases to local health authorities. The Ministry of Health continues to work closely with partners and stakeholders to contain the outbreak and mitigate its impact on affected communities.