BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

EFFORTS by the Lagos State government to arrest the cholera outbreak in the state appear to be yielding dividend as no new cholera cases have been in the wake of the disease outbreak.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris confirmed that the death toll from the epidemic-prone disease had not escalated spoke on efforts to curb the spread of the disease, said various organs of the government were working assiduously to contain the spread, but warned that all diarrheoa cases were being treated as cholera.

“Following the notice alerting the public to the cases of cholera in some parts of the state, various organs of the government such as the Ministry of Health, Information and Strategy, Environment, Water Corporation, Waste Water Management Office, Rural Development and Water Regulatory Agency have risen to the occasion, and have been working tirelessly to contain the spread. Since that time, we have not recorded any new cases of confirmed cholera”.

Idris observed that ongoing surveillance activities have identified the consumption of a local salad called “Abasa” and polluted well water as the common causes of cholera infection, stressed that outcome of investigation on the local salad shows that the sample contained germs which can cause cholera, typhoid and other serious diseases.

“We still need to identify other sources and the cooperation of the public in this regard is of utmost importance. We as a government will continue to carry out our responsibilities to the people, however the people themselves have a greater role to play by maintaining good personal, environmental hygiene and sanitation at all times.

Warning that cholera is very dangerous and kills within a short period of time if not treated properly, Idris urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of cholera to the nearest local government stressing that the disease should be suspected in any person who develop frequent rice water stool with or without vomiting, weakness, excessive loss of body fluid, dehydration or dies from frequent stooling.

Health workers are on the alert all suspected cases are to be reported to the State Ministry of Health or through hotlines- 08023169485 or 08023213333 for assistance.

Meanwhile the Integrated Measles Campaign for children aged 9-59 months which kicked off weekend ends tomorrow. The campaign is an initiative put together in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and 36 State Federation including the FCT to combat the measles.

During the exercise, measles and oral polio vaccine are being administered to children under the age of 5 years, children aged 0- 59 months are receiving the oral polio vaccine, while children of ages 9-59months receive measles vaccine. Both vaccines are being given irrespective of the immunization status of the children.