Cholera outbreak: Ogun records one death, 25 suspected cases

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker on Monday, disclosed that the state has recorded 25 suspected cholera cases in seven local government areas in the state.

Coker explained that nine cases had been confirmed while one death was recorded.

She stated that the state epidemiology unit had been put on red alert during a press conference held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Governor’s office, Abeokuta.

The affected LGs are Ado Odo/Ota; Remo North; Odeda; Sagamu; Ijebu North; Ewekoro and Obafemi Owode.

Coker said that the Ministry is coordinating the outbreak response in conjunction with other stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, Information and Education.

The Commissioner said that the treatment of cholera is free in all public health facilities across the State and that trained rapid teams across the 20 LGAs are prepared to respond to calls on these following lines; 08038642812; 07034214893 and 08084250881 on short notice.

She said, “As of today 24th, June 2024, the 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 case 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.”

She said that some Local Government Areas such as Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Ado-Odo/Ota have been identified to be high-risk areas.

She 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 LGs areas of the State.

She equally said that cholera vaccines are not currently available in the state urging the citizens to adhere to precautionary measures to ward off this disease.

Speaking during the briefing, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said that the state government has constructed over 60 public toilets across the State to address open defecation.

Oresanya said that the industry has improved on waste management collection across the state while promising that the Ministry would continue to monitor water channels in areas that are densely populated.

Representative by Oluwole Majekodunmi, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbagbu, admonished school administrators to ensure that hygienic foods are served to the pupils and students.

Arigbagbu encouraged school administrators to sensitise their pupils and students on proper hygiene and regular washing of hands among others