By Haruna Gimba
Authorities in Lagos state have confirmed death of six people following an outbreak of cholera in Isolo Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who revealed this in a statement, warned residents of further outbreak.
He said the main suspected sources of the epidemic is the salad called ‘Abacha’, a staple food of the residents of Isolo LCDA and adjourning LGAs/LCDAs and some domestic wells within the communities.
He said the 26 reported cases of cholera in the state were managed at Isolo General Hospital and Lagos Mainland Hospital respectively.
Idris noted that the risk of contracting cholera is increased mainly by poor water and environmental sanitation, including open defecation.
He said the government has identified the three vendors of the contaminated food at Cele Bus Stop and banned the sale.
The commissioner also said that the ministry has distributed factsheets on cholera to the Medical Directors of the state teaching hospital and 26 General Hospitals in Lagos State, including Medical Officers of Health in all the 57 local governments areas, LGAs and LCDAs for circulation to all health workers in their facilities.
He said some of the preventive measures include; washing of hands with soap and water thoroughly after using the rest room, disposal of waste materials appropriately among others.
