Cholera Outbreak: FG Seeks Increased Surveillance At Eateries, Schools

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

Death Hits 53

The Federal Government has called on States and Local Government authorities to increase surveillance in eateries  like cafeterias, restaurants, 'mama put' and mobile food vendors.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoea infection caused by ingestion of unwholesome food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. 

It is an extremely virulent disease that takes between 12 hours and five days for the symptoms to manifest. The common early symptoms are frequent watery stool that is usually milky white in colour, nausea and vomiting. 

To this end, the government enjoined all the commissioners of environment and local government chairmen to support Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) to step up sanitation and hygiene activities in order to break further transmission and spread of the disease.  

The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while providing updates on the ongoing cholera outbreak across the States.

He solicited for more awareness campaigns especially on places where prepared food and drinks are sold like the markets, garages, schools, restaurants, stadia, religious and sporting events. 

News Rider reports that as at June 13, 2024, there was a total of 1,141 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths from 96 Local Government Areas in 30 States, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) situation report. 

Then, the Lagos State Ministry of Health confirmed that it had recorded 350 suspected cases of the disease in 29 wards across multiple LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities. 

Currently, the death toll has risen to 53 in 31 States but on Friday, June 21, 2024, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, said that the cholera incidence rate in the state had risen to 417 suspected cases, and 35 confirmed cases, with 24 deaths.

The worst-hit States of Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta and Katsina, contributed to 90 percent of cholera burden. 

To curtail the spread, the ministry in collaboration with Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) have been involved in testing water and food to identify sources of infection, including renewed environmental sanitation campaigns and provision of water chlorination. 

Salako assured that the Federal Government would support states worst hit by the outbreak with chlorine solution or tablets, water and food testing resources, IEC materials and technical advisory. 

He stated that cholera remains a global threat to public health, affecting both children and adults, and could kill if untreated promptly.

The minister informed that the infection occurs annually mostly during the rainy season and often in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices, adding that extreme weather conditions like flooding excerbates the outbreak of the disease.

Global Resurgence 

Salako hinted that the World Health Organisation had confirmed the global resurgence of cholera, classifying the current outbreak as a 'grade 3 public health emergency' that requires maximal WHO system wide response. 

Nigeria is one of the 14 countries in Africa currently experiencing the resurgence of cholera outbreak.

He urged Nigerians to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and workplaces to prevent the spread of cholera.

Salako appealed to Nigerians to embrace preventive measures such as keeping their environment clean always and disposing waste properly at designated places.

Also, using clean and safe water, saying that water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one part of chlorine solution to 100 parts of water.

The minister warned Nigerians against consuming locally prepared drinks like kunu, zobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice except if it was prepared in hygienic and safe environment. 

"Wash hands regularly with soap under running water especially after using the toilet, after cleaning a child who has gone to the toilet, before preparing food, before and after eating, and after playing with animals.

"Avoid open defecation and instead use clean and safe toilets.

"Cook foodstuff well, keeping food covered and eating it hot. Eating in public places including at parties should be done with utmost care.

"Wash fruits and vegetables with clean and safe water before eating," he added. 

He advised the public experiencing any of the symptoms of cholera to seek medical attention immediately, assuring that the ministry remains committed to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all Nigerians.

This, he believed is the only way to prevent and curtail the incidence of cholera outbreaks and other sanitation related diseases, noting that prevention remains better and cheaper than cure. 

Salako condoled the families who lost their loved ones, saying that the Federal Government stands in solidarity with all those affected by the outbreak. 

NCDC Casualty Figures 

But the Director General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris while addressing journalists on Monday in Abuja confirmed that the death roll has risen to 53. 

He noted that as at June 24, 2024, 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths were recorded across 31 States and 107 Local Government Areas, with a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent since the beginning of 2024. 

Idris regretted that the fatalities were not just statistics but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often seasoned healthcare workers and team member. 

He was optimistic that the situation might be compounded as the rainy season intensifies.

The NCDC boss maintained that a dynamic risk assessment was conducted by experts on cholera outbreak situation in Nigeria last week, and the outcome indicated that Nigeria is at high risk of increased transmission and impact.

“This demands immediate and coordinated actions, and therefore necessitated the recent activation of the National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) which underscored the gravity of the situation and the unwavering commitment of the stakeholders to protect the health and well-being of every Nigerian," he said. 

Idris pointed out that the EOC would serve as the nerve center for the coordination of response across the country, and would also support affected states to facilitate rapid communication, data analysis, and decision-making processes, mobilise resources, expertise, and support from NCDC, partners, and stakeholders at all levels of government.

He had earlier lamented scarcity of vaccine for cholera in Nigeria, saying that though Nigeria has ordered for more vaccine, but he is uncertain on the date of delivery. 

Idris pleaded with Nigerians to embrace the use of vaccines and other preventive measures to curb the spread of the acute infection.