22nd August, 2010
Lagos State Governmnet has urged members of the public to observe a high stardard of personal and environmental hygiene following the reported outbreak of cholera in some states in Nigeria as the disease is known to be contracted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris who made the call in Lagos over the weekend further advised 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.
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 hence he urged them to take adequate measures in order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
He listed measures to be taken as including washing of hands with soaps 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 water containers clean.
The Commissioner pointed out that in 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.
Said he, “health workers are advised to be on the alert and report suspected outbreak of more than fives cases in their facilities to the state Ministry of Health. People can also call the following numbers: 08023228573 or 0802321333 for assistance.”
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.