In view of the recent cholera outbreak in Lagos State, where 5 persons have been confirmed dead and 60 cases hospitalised, the Oyo State Government has been notified of the two admitted suspected cases from Lagos State in one of the private hospitals in Ibadan. You will recall, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, through the State Ministry of Health, reactivated and established the Public Health Rapid Response Team (PHRRT) and Public Health Emergency Management Committee (PHEMC), respectively, to ensure adequate surveillance activities in order to guarantee the health of the citizens of Oyo State. This visionary reactivation and establishment displayed by His Excellency paid off through our surveillance team’s quick identification and notification of suspected cases.
Our State RRT, LGA RRT, and healthcare facilities have been put on red alert in case we have confirmed cases. As part of our preparedness and response plan, we have put in place the following:
· We have directed our rapid response teams to increase surveillance on any case of gastroenteritis, including other infectious diseases with a potential outbreak.
· We have put in place the Cholera Technical Working Group for coordination
· We have made provision for medical supplies, including rehydration solutions and antibiotics.
· Public awareness campaigns on the importance of drinking safe water and maintaining proper hygiene practices are ongoing and intensified.
· LGA Disease Surveillance Notification Officers and Community informants have been positioned to increase surveillance activities at the local level and to educate residents on cholera preventive measures
· Local leaders and traditional rulers are being mobilised to spread awareness and encourage compliance with health guidelines.
· Enhanced surveillance systems have been put in place to identify and respond to suspected cases as they emerge quickly.
· We are working closely with organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to strengthen our response efforts.
· Partnerships with local NGOs are helping to extend our reach in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
In all of these, what is our role as citizens?
As we are doing what is needful, your cooperation and adherence to public health guidelines are crucial. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:
· Boil, chlorinate, or use bottled water to ensure safe drinking water and avoid ice products made from untreated water.
· Practising good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet.
· Ensure food is cooked thoroughly and stored properly.
· Maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of faeces, and avoiding open defecation.
· Report any suspected cases of cholera to the nearest health facility immediately.
– Cholera is a highly infectious bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, characterised by:
– Diarrhoea (frequent and watery stools)
– Vomiting
– Dehydration
– Abdominal cramps
– Fever
Our surveillance teams are monitoring the suspected cases as we await the results of the stool samples.
Let us remain united and vigilant. The government of Oyo State is committed to doing everything within its power to prevent any infectious disease outbreak in our communities. With your support and adherence to the necessary precautions, we will prevent the outbreak of diseases in Oyo State.
May God bless Oyo State and its resilient people.
Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi
Honourable Commissioner for Health
Oyo State.
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