As Lagos Cholera Outbreak Intensifies, Here Are Precautionary And Treatment Measures To Protect Yourself

The Lagos cholera outbreak has reportedly intensified and you can protect yourself with some precautionary measures.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the cholera outbreak in Lagos State has taken a turn for the worse, according to multiple accounts on social media.

Many Lagos residents have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to report the death or hospitalization of loved ones.

An X user, who identifies as YourLabGirl, wrote that, “Hospitals are running out of bed space in lagos because of cholera!

“There’s an outbreak of cholera in the country!”

Below are the transmission modes, symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment options for cholera.

Modes of Transmission

Cholera is primarily transmitted through:

1. Contaminated Water: Drinking water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria is the most common transmission route.
2. Contaminated Food: Eating food that has been contaminated by water containing the bacteria or handled by an infected person.
3. Poor Sanitation: Areas with inadequate sanitation facilities are at higher risk, as the bacteria can spread through feces.
4. Direct Contact: In rare cases, direct contact with an infected person’s feces or vomit can transmit the bacteria.

Symptoms

Cholera symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically appear within a few hours to five days after infection. The primary symptoms include:

1. Severe Diarrhea: Watery diarrhea, often described as “rice water” stools due to its appearance, is the hallmark symptom.
2. Dehydration: Rapid loss of body fluids can lead to severe dehydration, characterized by dry mouth, extreme thirst, and decreased urine output.
3. Vomiting: Frequent vomiting, often occurring early in the illness.
4. Muscle Cramps: Caused by the loss of fluids and electrolytes.
5. Weakness and Fatigue: Due to severe dehydration and nutrient loss.
6. Sunken Eyes: A sign of severe dehydration.
7. Low Blood Pressure: Resulting from the loss of fluids.
8. Shock: In severe cases, rapid fluid loss can lead to shock and potentially death if not treated promptly.

Preventive Measures

Preventive measures for cholera include:

1. Safe Drinking Water: Ensure access to clean and safe drinking water. Boil water or use water purification tablets when necessary.
2. Proper Sanitation: Use proper sewage and waste disposal systems to prevent contamination of water sources.
3. Good Hygiene Practices: Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating or handling food and after using the toilet.
4. Safe Food Practices: Cook food thoroughly, keep it covered, and avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood. Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water.
5. Vaccination: In areas where cholera is common, vaccination can provide additional protection. Oral cholera vaccines are available and recommended for at-risk populations.
6. Education and Awareness: Inform communities about the importance of hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent cholera.
7. Quick Response to Outbreaks: Rapid identification and treatment of cholera cases, along with measures to contain the spread, are crucial in controlling outbreaks.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for cholera focus on rapid rehydration and supportive care:

1. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): The primary treatment is oral rehydration therapy using ORS, a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar, to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

2. Intravenous Fluids: In severe cases where patients cannot drink enough ORS, intravenous fluids are necessary to quickly restore fluid balance.

3. Antibiotics: While not always necessary, antibiotics such as doxycycline, azithromycin, or ciprofloxacin can reduce the duration and severity of the illness in severe cases.

4. Zinc Supplements: Zinc supplementation can help reduce the duration of diarrhea in children.

5. Nutritional Support: Continued feeding, especially in children, is important to prevent malnutrition and support recovery.

6. Monitoring and Supportive Care: Close monitoring of the patient’s condition, including fluid intake and output, and addressing complications like low potassium levels or kidney failure.

Early and adequate rehydration is the key to managing cholera effectively and reducing the risk of severe complications and death.

Five Confirmed Deaths and At Least 60 Reported Cases

Earlier on Tuesday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed that cases of severe gastroenteritis had been reported in communities around Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe LGA, resulting in about 60 hospital admissions and five deaths, recorded mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and other government officials at the press briefing on Friday, March 10, 2023

The commissioner enjoined citizens to rely on the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance, advice and updates on prevention, treatment and management.

He added that suspected cases can be reported via the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.

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