In response to an outbreak of severe gastroenteritis causing cholera among 25 cases at Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, announced urgent intervention measures have been successfully implemented.
“We were able to supply Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention, and other health consumables. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals which have been delivered to the prison to support prison health facilities with prevention strategies for about 3,200 inmates if required. Immediate water and sanitation issues have been corrected and there are ongoing inspections of other correctional facilities in the State,” Abayomi stated.
The Commissioner highlighted a significant reduction in daily cholera cases since a recent spike, attributing ongoing low-grade community transmission to cases still presenting in hospitals across Lagos.
Following a strategic meeting by the “One Health” inter-governmental agency, Abayomi reported no new cholera-related deaths in the past 72 hours. He emphasized the effectiveness of current interventions and credited public adherence to health advisories for the positive trend.
Regarding the outbreak’s origin traced two weeks ago, Abayomi identified unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supply as culprits. He noted that samples from these beverages confirmed the presence of vibrio cholera bacteria, prompting plans to seal unregulated production sites and arrest offenders.
Under the state’s ‘One Health’ approach, environmental health measures are being reinforced in collaboration with Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies. These efforts include widespread sanitation activities, borehole inspections and disinfections, and the supply of potable water to affected areas. Stricter regulations on local beverage manufacturers have also been enforced.
Abayomi underscored Governor’s approval for elevated sanitary and regulatory standards across eateries, food handlers, beverage manufacturers, and groundwater sources to mitigate food and water-borne diseases in Lagos.
The Commissioner urged continued vigilance, stressing personal responsibility in consuming safe water, food, and beverages, maintaining good hygiene practices, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. Treatment for suspected cholera remains free in all government hospitals.
He assured the public that there is no need for panic, expressing confidence in collaborative efforts to effectively control and combat cholera, safeguarding the health and well-being of Lagos residents.
