Ondo state government calls for vigilance to prevent spread of Cholera

Ondo State Government has issued a call for heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of a potential cholera outbreak.

This followed an excess of severe gastroenteritis cases reported in Lagos and some other parts of the country in the last few days

The state epidemiologist Dr Stephen Fagbemi promised to keep the public informed and restated the commitment of the state Government to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens.

Owing to the current outbreaks of cholera disease in some states in Nigeria, the ondo state government has activated its surveillance for immediate response to any case of cholera in the state.

This followed the call by the United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF on states governments to intensify efforts at bolstering Healthcare systems to combat the outbreaks.

The Nigeria center for disease control and prevention NCDC also ,recently alerted Nigerians on the outbreak of cholera in some states which resulted in 30 deaths, 1,141 cases suspected and 65 confirmed cases.

Its survey showed that from January till June this year, there have been cases of cholera outbreaks from 96 local government areas in 30 states of the federation.

While speaking on the outbreak, Ondo state epidemiologist Dr Stephen Fagbemi noted that there were two cases in Okitipupa Local government Areas in the state sometimes during the beginning of the year and it was curtailed by the Rapid Response team of the state.

Fagbemi averred that the state has strengthened the Rapid Response Team which includes PHC coordinators , lab focal persons, Disease Survellance officers in the 3 senatorial districts of the state through the COPREP program.

He added that government has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate response to the outbreak.

He promised that the government would play its part by sensitizing and creating awareness in the mass media and through community engagements.

He appealed to citizens to maintain a high level of personal and food hygiene and report promptly to the hospital in case of diarrhoea and vomiting and other signs of the disease.

On the issue of proper waste disposal, Dr Fagbemi tasked residents to avoid throwing wastes in drainages, open defecation and maintain a clean environment.

Furthermore, the state government has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners to provide necessary support and resources to contain the outbreak.

The Ondo State Government has assured residents that it will continue to do everything possible to protect their health and well-being.###