The Oyo State Government has raised an alert over a cholera outbreak following the detection of suspected cases traced to construction workers from Lekki Peninsula in Lagos State.
The call for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures was made by the State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmoni, during her visit to a private hospital in Ibadan where the two suspected cholera cases are currently receiving treatment.
Dr. Ajetunmoni identified the affected individuals as male workers from a construction site in Lekki Peninsula, who were transferred to a private medical facility in Ibadan after presenting symptoms consistent with cholera.
During her visit, Dr. Ajetunmoni emphasized the highly infectious nature of cholera, a bacterial infection spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
The disease can lead to severe acute watery diarrhea, accompanied by nausea, profuse vomiting, and fever, often resulting in severe dehydration.
Despite the alarming development, Dr. Ajetunmoni assured the public that there is no cause for panic.
She highlighted that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with other partners, is actively managing the situation.
“We are on top of this situation,” she stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to preventing casualties within the state.
The Commissioner outlined several response efforts initiated by the state government to curb the spread of the disease. These include: Deployment of Local Government Area Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (LGA DSNOs): These officers have been mobilized to enhance surveillance and track potential cholera cases across the state.
Promotional Jingles: Awareness campaigns in English and Yoruba are being broadcasted across various media platforms to educate the public on cholera prevention.
Inauguration of the Cholera Technical Working Group: This group has been established to coordinate response activities and ensure efficient management of the outbreak.
Activation of IDC Olodo: The Infectious Disease Centre (IDC) in Olodo has been put into active mode for isolation and management of cholera cases.
Intensified Surveillance: Surveillance rangers at the LGA level are working diligently to identify and report new cases promptly.
Community Awareness and Sensitization: Efforts are underway to educate community gatekeepers and structures on cholera symptoms and prevention methods.
Dr. Ajetunmoni further appealed to the public to prioritize safety by drinking water from clean sources and maintaining good personal hygiene, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water. She urged individuals experiencing cholera symptoms to seek immediate medical attention rather than resorting to self-medication.
“Preventing the spread of cholera requires a collective effort,” she noted. “We must all be vigilant and adhere to the recommended health practices to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.”
The Oyo State Government remains steadfast in its efforts to manage the cholera outbreak and protect public health, urging all residents to stay informed and proactive in combating this infectious disease.
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