Kirikiri Maximum Prison Cholera Outbreak Prompts WHO Intervention in Lagos

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Lagos State Governor has announced it is receiving added assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO) in its efforts to combat a recent cholera outbreak at Kirikiri prison.

The Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, on Sunday released a statement quoting the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi. 

According to Abayomi, there has been an outbreak of 25 severe gastroenteritis cases caused by Cholera at Kirikiri Medium Security Prison. Urgent medical and environmental interventions have been successfully implemented. 

"We provided the prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention supplies, and other health consumables. 

Additionally, OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals to aid the prison's health facilities, potentially supporting about 3,200 inmates.

Immediate water and sanitation issues have been resolved, and ongoing inspections are being conducted at other correctional facilities in the State," the Commissioner, Abayomi stated.

The Lagos State Government reported a significant drop in daily cholera cases from the surge observed two weeks ago. However, it acknowledged that there is still ongoing low-grade community transmission, as some cases continue to be reported in hospitals across the state.

During an update on the cholera outbreak following the "One Health" Inter-governmental agency strategic meeting over the weekend, Abayomi noted that no new cholera-related deaths have been reported in the last 72 hours. Despite this, the government is intensifying efforts to eliminate transmission. 

Abayomi emphasized that the decrease in daily cases and the absence of new deaths indicate that interventions are effective. He also highlighted the importance of residents following public health advice and seeking early medical attention when symptoms appear.

Two weeks after the initial outbreak, he revealed that it originated from unregulated street drinks and contaminated water sources. 

Abayomi clarified that samples collected from popular street vendors by undercover officers from LASEPA and the Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of vibrio cholera bacteria, the culprit behind the cholera outbreak. 

"None of the containers had NAFDAC accreditation numbers that indicat they were produced in small, informal backyard units," he noted. 

Pinpointing the exact production sites has proven challenging, prompting the environmental health directorate to plan crackdowns on unregulated manufacturing and arrest anyone involved in producing or distributing beverages without proper NAFDAC credentials, Abayomi said. 

He further highlighted that the State Government, through its collaborative 'One Health' approach, is actively implementing environmental health measures alongside with the Lagos Water Corporation and sanitation agencies (LAWMA and LASWAMO). 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija recalls that these efforts include widespread sanitation initiatives, inspections, and disinfection of boreholes, as well as ensuring the supply of safe drinking water to affected localities.

Additionally, there will be enhanced enforcement and stricter regulations for local beverage manufacturers, eateries, food handlers, and groundwater, as approved by the Governor. This will help mitigate the spread of food and water-borne diseases in Lagos," the Commissioner, Ademola affirmed. 

The commissioner stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance and adherence to public health precautions. 

Additionally, the Government's efforts, urged the public to take personal responsibility by ensuring safe consumption of water, food, and beverages, maintaining good hygiene practices, starting oral rehydration therapy, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting occur, he advised. 

The Commissioner, Ademola reassured that suspected cholera treatment remains free at all Government’s hospitals and emphasized that there's no need for public panic. 

The Commissioner expressed confidence that through ongoing collaboration, vigilance, and commitment from all parties involved, the state is actively taking decisive steps to combat and control cholera, prioritizing the health and safety of its residents.