Please be informed that there is an outbreak of Cholera in Lagos!
LAGOS—The Lagos State Government, disclosed that 45 cases of cholera disease has been recorded in Isolo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of the state, with six deaths already recorded.
Suspected cases recorded were contracted from food sources such as the African food salad popularly called ‘Abacha’ and other infected foods from food sellers, and other unhygienic habits.
WHAT IS CHOLERA?
Cholera as an acute contagious bacterial diarrhoeal disease that is characterized by severe form of sudden onset of profuse painless watery stools, nausea and profuse vomiting and can kill in hours.
Cholera is acquired through the ingestion of an infective dose of contaminated food or water and could be transmitted through many mechanisms like direct or indirect contamination of water or food by faeces of infected individuals.
Cholera should be suspected in any person who develops diarrhoea with or without vomiting, weakness, restlessness, irritability, dry mucous membrane, low blood pressure, leg cramps, excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration) or dies from frequent stooling,
Measures to be taken to reduce the risk of contracting the disease includes washing of hands with soaps and water frequently and thoroughly; boiling of water before drinking if the source of the water was in doubts; washing of fruits and vegetables thoroughly with safe drinking water before eating; cooking of food thoroughly before eating; disposing of waste material properly; and keeping of water containers clean.
In the case of suspected cholera, prepare oral rehydration solution (10 level teaspoonful of sugar and one level teaspoonful of salt in two 35cl bottles); give the suspect a lot of fluids to drink; keep giving the suspect food as soon as it could be tolerated; and immediately visit the nearest hospital whether the condition improves or not.
Courtesy : Hygeia HMO Newsletter. (www.hygeiahmo.com)