Investigation ongoing to reveal source of outbreak – Abayomi

… Says 30 patients still on admission

…Vaccine not available in public hospitals- Commissioner

…To introduce Safe Plate&Safe water initiative

By Sola Ogundipe & Chioma Obinna

Lagos state government has disclosed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 579, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa Local Government Areas (LGAs) recording the highest numbers.

The death toll has also risen to 29, an increase of five from the previously reported 24 fatalities.

The Lagos state commissioner for Health, prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this at the Lagos State multi agency Briefing and update on the cholera outbreak, on Monday, in Lagos, said the state’s surveillance is yet to tie the outbreak to a specific cause, although efforts are ongoing to unravel the sources of samples tested.

“So far, we have not been able to identify a source yet, but investigations are ongoing. Moving forward, we are going to keep active surveillance around our water sources and beverages in Lagos state.”

The commissioner further revealed that 30 patients were currently being hospitalised for varying degrees of the disease at the Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH, Yaba, adding that about 579 suspected cases have been identified, 43 of which are confirmed through laboratory analysis.

He noted that late presentation fueled most of the deaths in the state, adding that “Most of these deaths were caused by patients presenting very late at a stage where we could not resuscitate them because they had severe rehydration and many patients were actually brought in dead.

“Out of all the samples we were able to collect, we were able to identify Vibrio cholera. So this is indeed a confirmed case of a cholera outbreak by a subtype O1 that is known to us to be very contagious and to cause significant sickness in those that contract it.”

Speaking on cholera vaccine, the Commissioner said the government has not included the oral cholera vaccine in the routine national immunization programme. While acknowledging the effectiveness of the oral vaccine, the commissioner highlighted several factors for the decision.

He said, “Firstly, introducing a new vaccine requires careful consideration, especially in the current climate of “vaccine sensitivity. Secondly, the low incidence of cholera cases in the country doesn’t justify a nationwide rollout.

The commissioner emphasised that the situation would be different if cholera cases surged. In such a scenario, immediate action would be taken, including importing vaccines.

He added that presently, a limited supply of the oral cholera vaccine is available in the private sector but not through public health facilities.

He said the discussions should be at the federal level to determine whether to integrate this vaccine into the national immunisation program.

Speaking on efforts to halt the spread of the disease, the Commissioner said the state government is in complete control, even as he disclosed that the it is offering cholera treatment free of charge to any suspected cases. He therefore urged patients who are having symptoms of cholera to rush to any public hospitals for treatment.

“The state government has also adopted one health approach to response as relevant ministries and agencies and departments of the Lagos state government, including Health, Environmental and Water Resources, Education, Information and Strategy, Physical Planning and Agriculture are working together to curb the outbreak, prevent future occurrence.

“Directorate of Environmental Health and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency are collecting samples of water, food, and beverages to determine source of outbreak; ongoing inspections of facilities in affected areas; prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities statewide; distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) and risk Communication and Public health education campaigns commenced and intensified,” he stated.

The Commissioner however urged residents to consume safe water, practice good personal hygiene like hand washing especially after using toilet and before eating; washing of raw fruits and vegetables; cook food properly; thoroughly reheat left over food before consuming; avoid unregulated and unregistered Street beverages and ensure general environmental sanitation.

To prevent similar outbreak, he said the state government is to introduce an initiative called Safe Plate and Safe beverage  to prevent the recurrent of outbreaks like Cholera.

He said the initiative will ensure that all street food vendors and beverage sellers will be monitored to and given modules operandi of operation.

Abayomi made this known at a news briefing to update the media on the cholera outbreak and what the state government was doing to arrest the situation in Lagos.