Not less than 12 persons have been killed following a suspected outbreak of cholera in the Okota area of Lagos State and several others hospitalised in different parts of the state.
This also followed a report that in the last one week, about 50 persons have died in Zamfara State, after contracting the disease.
However, the local government at Okota has been dully informed and efforts are underway to take samples to the laboratory to determine if it was a case of cholera as suspected or gastroenteritis.
It has been revealed over the weekend that about two persons have died at Ago Palace Way, Okota, after consistently stooling and vomiting, which are common features of cholera.
It has also been reported that two sisters were admitted on the same day at a hospital after they had stooled and vomited consistently and although they were responding to treatment, they had been fitted with adult-sized pampers on them to cushion the effect of the stooling.
At Femi Killa, it was gathered that about three persons died after eating local African salad, which they bought from a food vendor in the area and the seller was arrested by the police.
According to the Medical Director of Ago Medical Centre, Dr. Kola Afolabi, there was an outbreak of gastroenteritis, which he described, as one of the symptoms of cholera.
Afolabi said: "For the past one week, patients with frequent diarrhoea and vomiting have been brought to my hospital, but I cannot say it is cholera because a diagnosis must be conducted to confirm cholera."
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who confirmed the development in Lagos on Wednesday, said that out of the 13 cases reported, three persons have died.
Worst affected places are, Ajeromi, Apapa, Lagos Island, Oshodi and Surulere.
The commissioner attributed the epidemic to contaminated wells, local food and non-washing of hands.
He urged residents of the state to report any known case to the nearest health centre.
"We have sent our officials to the various local governments where it has been reported and the victims are being adequately treated. The public should maintain good personal hygiene and ensure that their food and water are properly preserved."
Source: Daily times
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