In an interview with KOKNews, Dr. Gabriel Akinloye, a specialist in physical therapy, provided an in-depth overview of the ongoing cholera outbreak in Lagos.
As of June 23, 2024, Lagos has recorded approximately 500 suspected cholera cases and 24 deaths across 20 local government areas.
Also read: Lagos Records 29 Deaths, 579 Suspected Cases In Cholera Outbreak
The outbreak has significantly impacted communities in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGAs, with 60 hospital admissions and five fatalities reported.
The local government areas of Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Lagos Mainland have seen the highest number of cholera cases, with patients often presenting severe dehydration due to late hospital visits.
S/M/S/E Gabriel AkinloyeDr. Akinloye highlighted several crucial measures that churches and their members can implement to protect against cholera:
- Improve Water Quality:
- Treat water with chlorine or ozone.
- Boil water before consumption.
- Use water filters or purifiers.
- Proper Hygiene:
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently.
- Use hand sanitizer when water is not available.
- Sanitation:
- Build and use latrines or toilets.
- Properly dispose of human waste.
- Food Safety:
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Store food at proper temperatures.
- Avoid raw or undercooked seafood.
- Vaccination:
- Get vaccinated against cholera.
- Improved Hygiene Practices:
- Avoid close contact with people suffering from diarrhea.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and utensils regularly.
- Proper Waste Management:
- Collect and dispose of waste regularly.
- Community Awareness:
- Educate communities on cholera prevention and symptoms.
- Monitor and Report:
- Monitor for cholera cases and report to health authorities promptly.
To ensure that the water used during church services is safe, Dr. Akinloye advises thorough washing and covering of water buckets. It is essential that individuals handling the water wash their hands with soap and water before use.
Dr. Akinloye suggests churches adopt the following practices to minimise the risk of cholera transmission:
- Install more washbasins, provide soap and clean towels or hand dryers for members.
- Minimise physical contact, opting for knuckle greetings instead of handshakes.
- Stay hydrated and report any symptoms like frequent toilet visits or stomach issues to medical personnel.
- Avoid eating uncooked or improperly processed food.
S/M/S/E Akinloye emphasises the importance of staying vigilant during this outbreak.
Church members should be mindful of what they eat and drink, maintain good hygiene, and ensure their environment is clean. By following these guidelines, the risk of cholera transmission can be significantly reduced.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
