A cholera outbreak in Lagos has had many residents worried in the past few days; many have taken to social media to express their fears and share tips on how to stay safe.
So far, the disease has claimed lives with a growing number of cases recorded in various health facilities.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has confirmed the health emergency and released official guidelines for prevention and treatment.
Among other updates, the ministry, via its X page on Sunday, disclosed that the treatment of the disease is free at all state-owned healthcare centres.
Below are ten facts to consider about the cholera outbreak:
- As of Sunday, the state had recorded 350 suspected cholera cases in 29 wards, 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths related to the disease.
- A Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has been activated at Mainland Hospital, Yaba.
- A cholera subtype 0-1 which is known for more severe diseases has been identified.
- Case numbers of the sickness vary daily with some cases declining while situations worsen in others.
- At the moment, environmental and protection agencies are inspecting water, food and beverage samples from across Lagos.
- While kits to deal with the disease like oral rehydration solutions have been deployed, public health education and campaigns are already underway.
- To address the outbreak holistically, the ministry has convened discussions with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NDCD) and WHO.
- As part of the plan to curb the spread of the disease, residents have been urged to maintain hygiene, drink safe water and report symptoms immediately.
- With monitoring being carried out and updates released, the state government is intensifying efforts to curb the outbreak.
- Muslims faithful and residents have been advised to apply caution during the Eid-al-Adha celebration.