Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, discusses the recent cholera outbreak in Lagos State with Victoria Edeme. The outbreak has been linked to environmental conditions and social determinants of health, including inadequate clean water and poor sanitation practices. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has been working closely with the Lagos State Government to contain the spread of the disease.

Investigations into the outbreak revealed that a tiger nut drink was the common denominator among those affected in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area. The drink was found to be unregistered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and efforts to trace the producers have been unsuccessful. Cholera is a water-borne disease, and the outbreak has been linked to contaminated water sources.

Symptoms of cholera include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle pains, and cramps. Residents are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of these symptoms. Cholera can be diagnosed with a stool specimen, and treatment is available free of charge at all public government-owned hospitals and primary healthcare centres.

The outbreak has impacted the daily lives of residents in the affected areas, with many taking precautions to avoid contracting the disease. The Lagos State Government has been working to sensitize the public and provide support to those affected. The NCDC is monitoring the situation closely and may declare an emergency if necessary.

Partnerships with national and international health organisations, including UNICEF, the Red Cross, and WHO, have been instrumental in managing the crisis. The Lagos State Government is working to contain the spread of the disease and prevent it from escalating into a pandemic. Residents are advised to remain calm and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of cholera.

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