In a tragic incident in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, a cholera outbreak has resulted in the death of a 62-year-old woman and left five others hospitalized.
The woman passed away while caring for her sick child, who is among those receiving treatment.
The outbreak, which occurred three days ago, was confirmed by Dr. Tomi Coker, the State Commissioner for Health. Dr. Coker reported that the affected woman and the hospitalized patients are from Ijebu-North local government area.
Dr. Kunle Ashimi, the Ogun State chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), expressed concern about the widespread impact of cholera, noting that it has affected over 30 states across Nigeria.
He assured the public that treatment for cholera cases will be provided free of charge at designated facilities.
“Patients will be transported to and treated free at the facilities designated for the management of cholera cases across the state,” said Dr. Ashimi.
Dr. Ashimi emphasized the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of cholera, advising residents to avoid open defecation, refrain from indiscriminate refuse dumping, regularly wash hands, thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables before consumption, and treat drinking water by boiling or using chemical purifying agents.
Beyond Boders further reports that for those without access to such resources, he suggested using household bleach to treat water.
Dr. Ashimi urged schools to monitor the hygiene practices of food vendors and reintroduce handwashing stations, similar to measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
