Ogun laments lack of cholera vaccine as state records one death, nine cases

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Published By: Paul Dada The Ogun State Government says there are no cholera vaccines available in the state as it reveals that it has recorded one death and nine cases caused by the disease. Speaking to newsmen at a press conference held at Ministry of Health  in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker urged residents to adhere to precautionary measures. She hinted that there were other 25 suspected cases in seven ocal government areas. She said that the Federal Government had provided technical support to contain the outbreak while emphasizing on the importance of personal hygiene, proper food handling, and clean water consumption to prevent the spread of cholera. “The government has distributed cholera test kits and treatment consumables to all local government areas and designated treatment centers. High-risk areas have been identified, and public toilets are being constructed across the state to prevent open defecation,” she said. She urged residents to report suspected cases to the designated phone numbers, assuring that cholera treatment is free in all government facilities in Ogun State. She said, “As of today 24th, June 2024, the Ogun state has recorded 25 suspected cases of Cholera in 7 LGAs namely, Ado-Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode,  with nine confirmed cases and unfortunately, one death. “At the inception, we received an alert on June 12th, 2024, about the first 2 cases. Both cases tested positive with a Cholera rapid diagnostic kit and were managed at the State Hospital, Ota”. “To support the state response, the state Epidemiology unit is on high alert. All LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have also intensified surveillance across all 20 LGAs. “Our expectation from the public is proper personal hygiene ( particularly Hand Hygiene), washing of fruits,vegetables properly before eating, “Drink only clean water (boil if the source is not trusted), discourage open defecation, cook food thoroughly, go to the nearest health facility if you pass watery stool more than twice within eight hours and report any suspected case in your locality. Please call the following phone numbers:  08038642812, 07034214893, and 08084250881” “Also, cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGAs and designated treatment centers to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of Cholera is free across all government facilities in Ogun State”. She said. “Some of our LGAs have been identified as high-risk LGAs and hotspots in Ogun state, these are Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Ado-Odo Ota. As a way of warning, the Risk factors for cholera include eating contaminated food and drink, unhygienic sanitary conditions, and poor personal hygiene”.