3 confirmed dead as cholera outbreak hit Lagos

At least three persons were confirmed dead, while few others were said to have been discharged after treatment in Lagos, following outbreak of cholera in at least five local government areas.

This came barely three days after eight persons reportedly died in Plateau State, due to the outbreak of the disease.


Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this, in Alausa, Ikeja, urged residents to report any case immediately to the nearest health facility as well as maintain high level of hygiene.

According to Idris: “Although, many of the cases have been treated and discharged in several health facilities, three have been confirmed dead.

“Most of the suspected cases are from Ajeromi, Apapa, Lagos Island, Oshodi_Isolo and Surulere local government areas.”

Idris explained that surveillance and investigations by his Ministry had revealed that the suspected cases were contracted from food sources such as the African food salad, popularly called ‘Abacha,’ well water sources, especially in areas like Ikate community, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area and Badia area of Apapa Local Government Area, and infected foods from food sellers, and other unhygienic habits.

The commissioner while urging members of the public to be hygenic, noted that cholera “is an acute contagious bacterial disease characterised by severe form of sudden onset of profuse painless watery stools, nausea and profuse vomiting.”

 

PLEASE BE INFORMED!!!

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera Causes
Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by feces from a person with the infection.

Cholera Symptoms  
Symptoms of cholera can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection. Often symptoms are mild. But sometimes they are very serious. About one in 20 people infected have severe watery diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Although many infected people may have minimal or no symptoms, they can still contribute to spread of the infection.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of skin elasticity (the ability to return to original position quickly if pinched)
- Dry mucous membranes, including the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, and eyelids
- Low blood pressure
- Thirst
- Muscle cramps

If not treated, dehydration can lead to shock and death in a matter of hours.

IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.