The ongoing outbreak of cholera in Lagos is becoming an issue of immense concern both for the state government and residents.
Although Lagos Island has been described as the epicentre of the disease, so far, it has spread to all local government areas in the state with varying numbers of cases recorded almost daily.
In this exclusive interview, The Record’s Hedrick Onyirioha speaks with Dr. Nwokorie Basil Oliviera who specialises in General Medicine on the causes, treatment, prevention of the disease and other issues linked to it.
HO: Recently, the Lagos government announced an outbreak of cholera in the state. From your professional experience, what is responsible for this disease and how can one be exposed to it?
Dr. Nwokorie: Cholera is caused by a bacteria called vibrio cholera and can be contracted through water and food, generally whatever goes into the body through the mouth.
HO: How can one protect themselves from getting infected with cholera?
Dr. Nwokorie: You can avoid getting the disease by keeping to the following basic hygiene rules:
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food or eating
- Consume only bottled water or tap water that has been treated
- Brush your teeth using safe, drinkable water
- Do not eat uncooked fruit and vegetables (including salads) that you have not washed with bottled or boiled water and prepared yourself
- Do not eat shellfish and seafood
- Do not have ice in your drinks
HO: The state’s Ministry of Health disclosed in its advisory that cholera can be treated with ORS, while severe cases may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Ideally, how long is the treatment supposed to last for a patient?
Dr. Nwokorie: There are no specifics as to how long the treatment lasts; it all depends on the severity of the case.
HO: How contagious is cholera?
Dr. Nwokorie: I would say it’s highly contagious, especially in areas at risk.
HO: Apart from stooling and vomiting, what are other symptoms of the disease?
Dr. Nwokorie: Other symptoms include abdominal cramps and other signs depending on the amount of fluid lost from vomiting and stooling such as excessive thirst, weakness, dry mouth and eyes, fatigue, wrinkled skin, postural hypotension, weak pulse, fever, convulsion and coma mostly in children.
HO: Is it true that cholera is a disease of poverty, that is, it affects people with inadequate access to safe water and basic sanitation?
Dr. Nwokorie: To some extent it’s true. However, considering the various means of infection such as not properly cooked food, human-to-human spread or impure water used for washing food, anyone can be infected. Also, some expensive areas in the country have bad water supply and sewage disposal methods. Looking at these, the rich can also be victims.