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Despite reported cases, Lagos residents claim ignorance of cholera outbreak

As Cholera spreads across different parts of the country, some residents of Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital and epicentre of the disease are unaware of the outbreak. 

Many food vendors on streets of Ikorodu and Kosofe, said they are unaware of the disease. One of them, Musa Ibrahim, a fruit seller in Kosofe, expressed displeasure over lack of awareness. 

“I wash my fruits with the same water we all use here,” he explained. “I didn’t know the water could be contaminated. No one told us about this cholera outbreak.”

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of the organism Vibrio cholerae found in contaminated water and food. Water contamination typically occurs due to the faeces of infected individuals, which can pollute drinking water at the source, during transportation, or while stored at home.

“Food may also become contaminated through soiled hands during preparation or eating. Beverages prepared with contaminated water and sold by street vendors, ice, and even commercial bottled water can transmit cholera, as well as cooked vegetables and fruits washed with untreated wastewater.

“The incubation period between infection and symptom onset ranges from 2 hours to 5 days. Cholera spreads more rapidly in areas lacking adequate sanitation and regular clean water supply. Unsafe practices such as improper refuse disposal and open defecation further increase the risk of water contamination.

“People most at risk include individuals of all ages in areas with limited access to clean water, residents in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, people living in slum areas without basic water or sanitation infrastructure, those in rural regions dependent on surface water or unsafe piped or borehole water sources, consumers of potentially contaminated food or improperly washed and cooked fruits, and individuals who do not practice proper hand hygiene.”

The centre added that symptoms of cholera include acute, profuse, painless watery diarrhea (resembling rice water stools) that begins suddenly, and often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and fever. 

Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to massive body fluid loss and dehydration. However, around 80% of infected individuals may exhibit mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all.

Like Ibrahim, Halima Yusuf, who sells homemade Zobo (Hibiscus tea) drinks, was shocked to learn about the potential danger during CAMPUS REPORTER’s visit to her in Kosofe. 

“I don’t know anything about cholera in Lagos. I make my drinks with water from the borehole,” she said. “I didn’t know it required any special treatment and could be unsafe.”

She, however, called on authorities to carry out street-to-street awareness aside from using social media because many of the people handling food and other items at different points, especially in the market do not use social media.

Concerned about the outbreak, a mother of three who simply identified herself as Taiwo, said she has stopped her children from buying food from street vendors as “it’s hard to control everything they eat and drink.”

Public health advisory

Speaking on efforts by the Lagos government to address spread of the disease, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi said regular updates and advisories will be provided to ensure residents have the necessary information and resources to navigate the epidemic.

“Together, we can overcome this outbreak and ensure the health and well-being of all Lagosians. We urge everyone to adopt preventive measures and report any suspected cases promptly.”

Residents are therefore urged to boil or chlorinate their drinking water, avoid ice products made from untreated water, and ensure that food is well-cooked before consumption. 

Also, handwashing with soap and clean water, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is strongly recommended.

“Practicing good hygiene and maintaining proper sanitation are crucial in preventing cholera,” advised Professor Abayomi. “Citizens must ensure they use clean water and avoid open defecation to reduce the risk of contamination.”

The NCDC has also issued a public health advisory, advising residents on the need for safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene to mitigate the spread of the disease.

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