The Lagos State government has reported an outbreak of cholera at the Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, prompting additional support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, quoted Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, confirming 25 cases of severe gastroenteritis caused by cholera at the prison.
Commissioner Abayomi stated, “We were able to supply Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention, and other health consumables. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals which have been delivered to the prison to support prison health facilities with prevention strategies for about 3,200 inmates if required. Immediate water and sanitation issues have been corrected and there are ongoing inspections of other correctional facilities in the State.”
The government also noted a significant improvement in daily cholera cases since the spike reported two weeks ago, though there is evidence of ongoing low-grade community transmission as some cases continue to present at hospitals across the state.
Providing further updates on the outbreak following an inter-governmental agency strategic meeting, Abayomi revealed no new cholera-related deaths in the last 72 hours, with intensified countermeasures aimed at eliminating transmission.
He pointed out that the reduction in new daily cases and the absence of new deaths indicate the success of interventions, while residents are adhering to public health advice on safety measures and early presentation to health facilities when symptoms develop.
Abayomi disclosed that the original outbreak was traced to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supply. Samples taken from popular street beverages in affected areas confirmed the presence of vibrio cholera bacteria.
“All of the containers had no NAFDAC accreditation numbers, indicating they are small cottage backyard informal production units. Identifying the precise location of manufacture has proven difficult and the directorate of environmental health is planning to seal any such unregulated manufacture and make arrests of anybody involved with the manufacture or distribution of beverages without NAFDAC numbers,” he said.
The state government is enforcing environmental health countermeasures through its “One Health” approach in collaboration with Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies to ensure widespread sanitation activities, inspection and disinfection of boreholes, supply of potable water to affected local governments, and stricter regulations on local beverage manufacturers.
Abayomi emphasized the need for continued vigilance and adherence to public health measures. He urged the public to take personal responsibility for consuming safe water, food, and beverages, ensuring good personal hygiene, and seeking medical help immediately if symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting develop. Treatment for suspected cholera remains free of charge in all government hospitals.
The commissioner expressed optimism that with continued collaboration, vigilance, and commitment from all stakeholders, Lagos State is taking decisive actions to effectively combat and control the spread of cholera, safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents.