Kehinde Adeleye
In response to the recent reports of Cholera outbreaks in some areas of Lagos State, the Department of Environmental Health in Mushin Local Government has taken proactive steps to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease within the local government area.
Led by Mr. A. Adekunle, the Head of Department, a team of sanitarians visited markets, parks, and other locations across Mushin, conducting awareness campaigns on how to recognize and prevent the disease. They also provided detailed information on the symptoms of Cholera and the necessary steps to take if these symptoms become apparent.
In a statement released by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Commissioner for Health – Prof. Akin Abayomi drew attention to the increased reports of severe vomiting and watery stools in Lagos State, following recent rains.
He specifically identified urban slums and densely populated areas with inadequate sanitation as being particularly vulnerable to the threat of Cholera. Prof. Abayomi emphasized that Cholera is a highly contagious disease, which, if not addressed promptly, can result in severe diarrhea and, in some cases, can be fatal.
“Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of hand washing.
Symptoms of cholera include:
– severe watery diarrhea
– vomiting
– rapid dehydration
– muscle cramps
– fever and sometimes collapse
Treatment options for cholera include
– Rehydration using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration.
– Intravenous Fluids are used for severely dehydrated patients given only in medical facilities and supervised by medical personnel.
To prevent cholera
citizens are urged to ensure
– Safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water.
– Maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of feces, and avoiding open defecation is crucial.
– Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is essential and follow food safety guidelines.
Suspected cases can be reported via the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.
The Environmental Health Officers in Mushin Local Government are still moving round with Public Address System, sensitizing the public and enforcing compliance with safety measures in order to maintain safe and healthy environments in order to prevent the spread of Cholera among the people of Mushin Local Government.
