The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced on Wednesday that it might declare a state of emergency due to the escalating cholera outbreak in the country. NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, revealed that the center is closely monitoring the situation and will take action if the data indicate that the outbreak has surpassed manageable levels.
Speaking at the Adetokunbo Alakija Memorial Travel Medicine Lecture in Lagos, Dr. Idris emphasized the need for accurate reporting and prompt action. He noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak affecting 30 states. This situation prompted an emergency meeting in Lagos involving the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the International Organization for Migration.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, highlighted this on his X handle, bringing further attention to the crisis. According to NCDC reports, from January 1 to June 11, 2024, Nigeria has seen over 1,141 suspected cholera cases, with more than 65 confirmed and over 30 deaths reported across 96 local government areas in 30 states.
In Lagos, the state Ministry of Health has recorded 350 suspected cases across 29 wards, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities attributed to severe dehydration from delayed medical intervention.
Dr. Idris explained that the NCDC is conducting a thorough risk assessment and will declare an emergency if necessary. “We have been tracking cholera cases, and the recent spike in incidents and deaths has prompted further investigation, with significant involvement from Lagos State,” he stated. He underscored the importance of prevention and preparation, including establishing isolation centers and ensuring adequate human resources.
Special Adviser on Health to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kemi Ogunyemi, stressed the environmental factors contributing to the cholera outbreak. She emphasized that the Ministry of Health is collaborating with environmental agencies to address issues related to water contamination and sanitation. Ogunyemi called for public participation in maintaining personal hygiene to combat the disease.
In response to the crisis, the Lagos State Government issued a series of precautionary measures for schools, parents, and guardians to prevent cholera spread. A statement from the Commissioner for Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, outlined the state’s efforts to raise awareness among vulnerable groups and within the school system.
The guidelines for schools include:
- Ensuring strict hygiene practices for food handlers to prevent contamination.
- Making oral rehydration salts available in school clinics to manage dehydration.
- Maintaining working handwashing facilities at key locations such as washroom exits, food preparation areas, and canteens.
- Providing soap at handwashing stations and regularly cleaning WASH facilities with bleach or chlorine solution.
In case of health emergencies or suspected cholera cases, schools are instructed to contact emergency lines 08023169485, 08137412348, or 767/112. Parents and guardians are advised to monitor their children for symptoms such as fever and frequent watery stools, keeping them at home if they exhibit any signs of illness.
Parents are also encouraged to:
- Ensure their child carries hand sanitizer and practices frequent handwashing.
- Maintain a safe distance from others and avoid unnecessary physical contact.
- Keep their child’s vaccinations up to date and provide a balanced diet to boost immunity.
- Stay in touch with schools for health updates and promptly report any health concerns.
By adhering to these guidelines, the Lagos State Government aims to mitigate the spread of cholera and protect the health of its residents during this critical period.
