Cholera Outbreak In Lagos: What To Know About Cholera

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health have been notified to look into a potential source of water contamination in the Lekki Victoria Island area.

Local government areas in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe were listed by Akin Abayomi, the commissioner of health, as potentially affected. A heightened state-wide surveillance and response has been initiated.

So far this year, NCDC has confirmed 30 deaths and over 60 hospitalised

Causes of Cholera

Vibrio cholerae is the bacteria that causes cholera, an acute diarrheal illness. The gram-negative, comma-shaped Vibrio cholerae bacteria is found in aquatic habitats.

Cholera toxin (CT), which the bacteria generate, causes severe dehydration and watery diarrhoea by interfering with the intestines’ normal ion transport.

It is a disease of inadequate living conditions and inadequate sanitation since the bacteria responsible is mainly transmitted through contaminated water and food.

It also thrives in brackish water and coastal environments, often associated with plankton and shellfish.

Transmission

The fecal-oral route is the primary means of transmission for cholera, which is contracted through contaminated food or water.

V. cholerae has a rather high infectious dose. Malnutrition and low stomach acidity are two examples of factors that can reduce the infectious dosage.

Symptoms

The symptoms and diagnosis of cholera vary, ranging from moderate diarrhoea to fatal dehydration.

A common description of severe cholera is the sudden onset of abundant, watery diarrhoea, which is often referred to as “rice-water stools.” Muscle spasms and vomiting are possible side effects.

The rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes can cause severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated.

Cholera typically presents with:

Acute, profuse watery diarrhoea (rice-water stools)
Vomiting
Rapid dehydration
Water-Electrolyte imbalances
Hypovolemic shock
Lethargy
Pain in the abdomen

Cholera can quickly become fatal. In severe cases, the rapid loss of large amounts of fluids and electrolytes can lead to death within hours. In less extreme situations, people who don’t receive treatment can die of dehydration and shock hours to days after cholera symptoms first appear.
Other problems can occur, and they are:

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Low potassium levels.
Kidney failure.

Prevention

Drink Potable Water: Limit your intake of water to safe options, such as bottled water, or water you have boiled or cleaned yourself. You can even brush your teeth with bottled water. In general, hot liquids and drinks in cans or bottles are okay, but make sure to clean them off before opening. If you did not make your drink using safe water, do not add ice to it.
Wash your hands with soap and running water after using the toilet and before eating for 15 seconds.
Avoid eating from street vendors and only consume fully cooked, hot meals. If you do purchase food from a street seller, be sure it is prepared in a neat environment and served hot in your presence.
Choose fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges, and avocados. Avoid salads, already-cut veggies and unpeeled fruits, such as grapes, carrots, tigernuts, etc.
Get vaccinated if you haven’t been vaccinated against cholera.
Improve sanitation facilities to prevent faecal contamination of water sources.
People who sell kunu, zobo, and tigernut drinks; should ensure they wash the bottles very well before using it.

Treatment

In the treatment of cholera, prompt rehydration is vital. To replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and intravenous fluids are administered.

Antibiotics can shorten the disease’s length and severity, but they should be used together with rehydration therapy.

Educating communities about cholera transmission and prevention is important

In conclusion, the government and local communities must work together to address the primary causes of cholera transmission, which include enhancing sanitation, guaranteeing access to clean water, and fortifying health systems.