Lagos Steps Up Measures Against Cholera

Lagos Steps Up Measures Against Cholera

Lagos State Governmnet in southwest Nigeria has urged members of the public to observe a high stardard of personal and environmental hygiene in order to guard against the outbreak of cholera in the state, as the disease is known to be contacted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris made the call in Lagos while advising members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspected case, dead or alive, to the nearest health facility and the Directorate of Disease Control in the state Ministry of Health.

Looking Out For Symptoms
Idris noted that cholera should be suspected in any person who develops diarrhoea with or without vomiting, weakness, leg cramps, excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration) or dies from frequent stooling. He urged them to take adequate measures in order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

He listed measures to be taken to include; washing of hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly; boiling of water before drinking if the source of the water is in doubt; washing of fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating; cooking of food thoroughly before eating; disposing of waste material properly; and keeping of water containers clean.

Rehydration solution
The Commissioner pointed out that in the case of suspected cholera, members of the public should prepare oral rehydration solution (10 level teaspoonful of sugar and one level teaspoonful of salt in two 35cl bottles); give the suspect a lot of fluids to drink; keep giving the suspect food as soon as it can be tolerated; and thereafter visit the nearest hospital whether the condition of the suspect improves or not.
 
He advised health workers to report suspected outbreak of more than fives cases in their facilities to the state Ministry of Health.

Cholera is a disease spread through the drinking of contaminated water and eating of contaminated food. It is very dangerous and kills within a very short period of time if not treated promptly.

PR/Qasim/Williams