One person has died as a result of the cholera outbreak in Ogun State, News About Nigeria reports.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, announced this on Monday.
She noted that the state has also recorded 25 suspected cholera cases in seven local government areas, adding that nine cases have been confirmed.
Coker 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, according to her, are Ado Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode.
She noted that the ministry had received the alert on June 12, 2024, about the first two cases, adding that both cases tested positive with a cholera rapid diagnostic kit and were managed at the State Hospital, Ota.
Coker disclosed that some local government areas, such as Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Ado-Odo/Ota, have been identified as high-risk areas, maintaining 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 LG areas of the state.
“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 cases 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 travelled to Lagos State 24 hours prior to the 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 stated.
Coker, however, assured the people that the Ministry is coordinating the outbreak response in conjunction with other stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, Information, and Education.
The Commissioner stated 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 the following lines; 08038642812; 07034214893 and 08084250881 on short notice.
