Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has urged Nigerians to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of cholera, which has emerged in several Southwestern states of the country.
He called on the Federal and State Governments to implement precautionary measures to curb the spread of this menace. Ajadi’s warning and advice come amidst reports of severe cases of gastroenteritis in Lagos, Ogun, and other states.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ajadi emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures, especially in Ogun State, which borders Lagos.
He highlighted that Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed cases of severe gastroenteritis in communities around Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGA, resulting in 60 hospital admissions and unfortunately five deaths, mostly due to late presentation with extreme dehydration.
Similarly, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, reported 25 suspected cholera cases across seven local government areas of the state, with one reported casualty.
The affected local governments include Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode.
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Ajadi called for increased surveillance by residents, stating, “To prevent cholera, citizens are urged to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water.
They should avoid ice made from untreated water and maintain proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of faeces, and avoiding open defecation.”
He added, “Cholera spreads through direct transmission by consuming contaminated food or water, and indirectly through poor sanitation and lack of handwashing. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever, and in severe cases, collapse.”
Ajadi also advised on treatment options, recommending Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration, and Intravenous Fluids for severely dehydrated patients, administered only in medical facilities under medical supervision.
As the NNPP Governorship Candidate in Ogun State in the last general election, Ajadi called on the Federal and Ogun State Governments to take proactive measures against the spread of cholera.
He urged everyone to adopt preventive measures and promptly report any suspected cases to nearby government health agencies or hospitals.
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