Cholera: Ogun records 25 suspected cases, one death

The Ogun State Government has confirmed 25 suspected cases of cholera in seven local government areas, with nine cases confirmed and one death recorded.

The State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, disclosed this at a press conference in Abeokuta on Monday.

The affected local governments are Ado Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode.

Coker said the state epidemiology unit is on red alert, and the Ministry is coordinating the outbreak response with other stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, Information, and Education.

She noted that the treatment of cholera is free in all public health facilities across the state, and trained rapid response teams are prepared to respond to calls on short notice.

Coker added that some local government areas, such as Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Ado-Odo/Ota, have been identified as high-risk areas.

She said, “As of today, 24th June 2024, Ogun State has recorded 25 suspected cases of cholera in 7 LGAs, namely, Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode, with 9 confirmed cases and unfortunately, one death.

“At inception, we received the alert on June 12, 2024, about the first two cases. Both cases tested positive with a cholera rapid diagnostic kit and were managed at the State Hospital, Ota. The two cases had travel history to Lagos State 24 hours prior to presentation.

“Also, cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGAs and designated treatment centres to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of cholera is free across all government facilities in Ogun State.”

The Commissioner stated that the fluid movement of people from neighbouring states, especially Lagos, which is the epicentre of the cholera outbreak, has made the disease spread in border LG areas of the state.

She also said that cholera vaccines are not currently available in the state and urged citizens to adhere to precautionary measures to ward off this disease and make calls on the following lines; 08038642812; 07034214893 and 08084250881 on short notice.