Dr. Tomi Coker, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, has confirmed the detection of 25 suspected cholera cases in seven local government areas of the state. These areas include Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode.
During a press conference held at the Press Centre in Oke-Mosan Abeokuta on Monday, Dr. Coker shared that the federal government has extended technical assistance to manage the outbreak. She emphasized the crucial role of personal hygiene, safe food handling, and clean water consumption in preventing further contamination.
The commissioner highlighted the state’s preparedness to safeguard residents’ well-being and mitigate the impact of the cholera outbreak, noting the absence of cholera vaccines in the state presently.
Dr. Coker stated, “Cholera test kits and treatment essentials have been dispersed to all local government areas and assigned treatment facilities. Identified high-risk zones are under close monitoring, and the construction of public toilets throughout the state is underway to curb open defecation.”
To bolster the state’s response, the Epidemiology unit remains on high alert, with Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in all 20 LGAs intensifying surveillance efforts.
As of June 24, 2024, Ogun State has documented 25 suspected cholera cases across 7 LGAs – Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode – with 9 confirmed cases and regrettably, one fatality.
The public is urged by the commissioner to adhere to preventive measures and report any potential cases promptly.
“We urge the public to practice proper personal hygiene, including hand hygiene, thorough washing of food items before consumption, drinking only clean water (boil if unsure of its source), discouraging open defecation, cooking food thoroughly, seeking medical attention if experiencing frequent watery stools, and reporting any suspected cases in their vicinity,” she emphasized.
In a separate statement, Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment, disclosed that the Ministry of Environment has mandated eateries, banks, malls, and fueling stations to open their facilities for public toilet use to deter open defecation.
Any violators will face prosecution, with over 100 public toilets being constructed across the state to address sanitation challenges.