The Lagos State Government has confirmed a cholera outbreak at Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, with 25 cases reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing support, donating 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals to aid in prevention strategies.
A statement released by the Director, of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, on Sunday, quoted the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, as saying an outbreak of 25 cases of severe gastroenteritis caused by Cholera occurred at Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, adding that urgent medical and environmental intervention measures have been implemented with success.
Urgent medical and environmental measures have been implemented, including the supply of intravenous fluids and infection prevention materials. Immediate water and sanitation issues have been corrected, and inspections of other correctional facilities are ongoing.
While no new cholera-related deaths have been reported in the last 72 hours, the government is intensifying efforts to eliminate transmission. The source of the outbreak has been traced to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supply.
The public is urged to take personal responsibility for consuming safe water, food, and beverages, ensuring good personal hygiene, and presenting immediately to hospitals if symptoms develop. Treatment of suspected cholera remains free of charge in all government hospitals.
“We were able to supply Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention and other health consumables. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals which have been delivered to the prison to support prison health facilities with prevention strategies for about 3,200 inmates if required.”
“All of the containers had no NAFDAC accreditation numbers, indicating they are small cottage backyard informal production units. Identifying the precise location of manufacture has proven difficult and the directorate of environmental health is planning to seal any such unregulated manufacture and make arrests of anybody involved with the manufacture or distribution of beverages without NAFDAC numbers.”
“Henceforth and as approved by Mr Governor, a higher sanitary and regulatory standard of eateries, food handlers, beverage manufacturers and groundwater will be implemented and enforced to curb the burden of food and water-borne diseases in Lagos.”
With continued collaboration and commitment, the state is taking decisive actions to combat and control the spread of cholera, safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents.
