The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker has said 25 suspected cases of cholera have been recorded in seven local government areas of the state.
The local governments are Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, E
wekoro, and Obafemi Owode.
Dr Coker revealed this on Monday during a press conference held at the Press Centre in Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.
She noted that the federal government has provided technical support to contain the outbreak while stressing the importance of personal hygiene, proper food handling, and clean water consumption to prevent the spread.
The commissioner, while stressing that the state is prepared to protect the lives of residents and minimize the impact of the Cholera Outbreak compared to many other states in Nigeria disclosed that cholera vaccines are not currently available in the state.
She said “The government has distributed cholera test kits and treatment consumables to all local government areas and designated treatment centres. High-risk areas have been identified, and public toilets are being constructed across the state to prevent open defecation”.
“To support the state response, the state Epidemiology unit is on high alert. All LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have also intensified surveillance across all 20 LGAs.
“As of today 24th, June 2024, the Ogun State has recorded 25 suspected cases of Cholera in 7 LGAs namely, Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode, with 9 confirmed case and unfortunately, 1 death.
Meanwhile, the commissioner urged the public to adhere to precautionary measures and report any suspected cases.
“Our expectation from the public is proper personal hygiene (particularly hand hygiene), washing food/fruits/vegetables properly before eating, drinking only clean water (Boil if the source is not trusted), Discouraging Open defecation, cooking food thoroughly, going to the nearest health facility if you pass watery stool more than twice within 8 hours and report any suspected case in your locality.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya noted that the Ministry of Environment has mandated that eateries, banks, malls, and fueling stations make their toilets available for public use to prevent open defecation.
He maintained that any if found guilty would be prosecuted accordingly, adding that the state is constructing over 100 public toilets across the state.
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