Lagos Links Cholera Outbreak to Unregistered Tiger Nut Drink

The Lagos State Government has identified an unregistered tiger nut drink as the primary cause of the recent cholera outbreak affecting multiple local government areas, including Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, and Kosofe.Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, explained in an interview with Punch that an uptick in cholera cases was observed particularly in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area. A survey conducted by the government revealed that the common factor among affected individuals was the consumption of a tiger nut drink that is not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).Ogunyemi noted that patients who sought treatment reported consuming this specific tiger nut drink. The state’s response involves collecting samples of the drink and conducting contact tracing, similar to the methods employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, efforts to trace the source of the drinks have been hindered by the lack of registration and an unreachable phone number on the product’s label.Further testing of stool samples from those affected confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae subtype 01, known for being the most infectious and aggressive strain of cholera. Ogunyemi highlighted the thorough investigation process: “We tested water samples as well because cholera is water-borne, but stool samples were crucial since various factors can cause diarrhea. The tests confirmed cholera, specifically Vibrio cholerae subtype 01.”Residents are urged to maintain proper hygiene and ensure that consumable items are verified and registered with appropriate government agencies to prevent further outbreaks.