Dr. Tomi Coker, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, disclosed that a significant majority – eight out of nine confirmed cases – of the cholera outbreak in the state can be traced back to Lagos State, where the individuals consumed tiger nut drinks.
During a press conference in Abeokuta on Monday, Dr. Coker reported that the state has seen a total of 25 suspected cases, with nine confirmed and one fatality.
He further elaborated that eight of the infected individuals had recently traveled to Lagos, with six of them specifically consuming tiger nut milk, highlighting a clear link between the outbreak and the popular beverage.
She stated, “The initial eight cases originated from Lagos state the reported epicentre of the Cholera outbreak and a state that shares a border with 4 of our local governments.
“The eight cases had travel history to Lagos and 6 of them reported taking tiger nut drinks while in Lagos.
“Furthermore, we also promptly diagnosed cholera in 5 of the contacts of the patients with a travel history to Lagos State.”
According to Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State had proactively established a comprehensive surveillance system across all 20 local government areas, enabling swift identification of cases before the outbreak occurred.
To bolster the state’s response, the Epidemiology Unit has been placed on high alert, and Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in each local government area have intensified their surveillance efforts, ensuring a robust and coordinated approach to containing the outbreak.
She stated , “Our private health facilities and citizens have been sensitized to heighten their index of suspicion and report any suspected case immediately to the LGA DSNO, and the State response team by calling the following phone numbers 08038642812, 07034214893, and 08084250881.
“All our 20 LGAs have trained rapid-response teams ready to respond to calls at short notice in collaboration with Ogun State Emergency and Ambulance Service.
“Also, cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGAs and designated treatment centres to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of Cholera is free across all government facilities in Ogun State.
As of the latest update, Nigeria has seen a total of 1,528 suspected cholera cases and 53 related deaths, spanning across 107 local government areas in 31 states.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, shared this information during a press briefing, also announcing the activation of the National Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate the response to the outbreak.
