Cholera has been defined by the World Health Organisation as “an acute diarrhoeal disease” caused by an infection of the intestine by a b acterium known as Vibrio cholerae, and has been said to “kill within hours if left untreated.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed that from January 1 to June 11, 2024, over 1,141 suspected and over 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths, had been reported in 30 states across the country.
The centre noted that the 10 states contributing 90 per cent to the burden of the current cholera outbreak include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos states.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, noted that 417 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in the state, with 35 confirmed cases and 24 deaths recorded so far.
Speaking with our correspondent, a public health researcher, Ikechukwu Ogu, explained that the common sources of cholera infection in the community include faecal contamination of drinking water in wells or boreholes during transport or supply, or during storage by contact with hands soiled by faeces.
He added, “When the quality of water at the source cannot be guaranteed, a treatment process is needed to disinfect the water at point of use (at the tap, vessels or storage containers).
“Various methods of household water treatment are available, including: boiling, disinfection, chlorination and filtration.”
Prioritise food safety
Ogu further stated that uncooked food made with or washed with contaminated water, seafood taken from contaminated water and eaten raw or insufficiently cooked or contaminated during preparation can also cause cholera.
He advised, “Wash fruits and vegetables alongside all cooking utensils with clean, running water, cook food well before consuming;
“Food safety laws and inspection of restaurants should be reinforced and food vendors and food processing factories should avoid unsafe agricultural practices. Ensure that you observe hand hygiene in the markets and places where food is sold.”
Adhere to personal hygiene
Also speaking with our correspondent, a public health expert, Dr Solomon Jolaoso, urged people to wash their hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom.
This will prevent cholera spread,” he stated.
Clean your environment
Jolaoso added, “Cholera is called a disease of poverty because it spreads where there’s poor sanitation, so there’s a need for proper waste disposal and cleaning of toilet facilities.
“Open defecation should be strongly frowned upon, especially in riverine areas across the country.”
Spread
Explaining further, Ogu pointed out that a Cholera epidemic could be controlled more quickly when the affected people know how to protect themselves and their relatives and the community is engaged to help limit the spread of the disease.
“There should be proper communication across different levels and messages adapted to local cultural beliefs about the disease and to the capacity for implementing control measures in the community.
“Health workers should also be properly trained to teach local people about good hygiene practices and the links between sanitation, water supply, health and hygiene behaviours,” he said.
Report cholera symptoms
Ogu also advised that symptoms of cholera be reported to medical practitioners for proper treatment.
He explained, “According to research, about 20 per cent of those who are infected with V. cholerae develop acute watery diarrhoea.
“Approximately 20 per cent of these individuals develop severe watery diarrhoea, many also with vomiting and where the patients are not treated promptly and adequately, the loss of fluid and salts can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours. Prompt report and treatment is crucial.”
Observe safe funeral practices
Ogu noted that certain funeral practices for persons who have died of cholera can also contribute to the spread of the epidemic.
“Bodies of people who have died of cholera pose a risk of transmission because body fluids contain high concentrations of V. cholerae.
“Funerals can contribute to the geographical spread of cholera, as people who attend the ceremony may be infected and take the disease back to their communities. Therefore, there should be safe practices observed during such ceremonies.”
Source: Punch NP.
