The Ogun State government has confirmed one death and nine new cases of cholera amid a recent outbreak. The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, during a press briefing on Monday.

Dr. Coker revealed that there are currently 25 suspected cholera cases across seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ogun State, including Ado-Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode. She noted that the Federal Government has provided technical support to help contain the outbreak, but cholera vaccines are no longer available in the state.

The Commissioner emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, proper food handling, and clean water consumption to prevent the spread of the disease. “The government has distributed cholera test kits and treatment consumables to all LGAs and designated treatment centers. High-risk areas have been identified, and public toilets are being constructed across the state to prevent open defecation,” she said.

Dr. Coker urged residents to adhere strictly to precautionary measures, including:

• Personal Hygiene: Regular hand washing and proper food handling.
• Clean Water Consumption: Drinking only clean water, preferably boiled if the source is not trusted.
• Avoiding Open Defecation: Utilizing public toilets and maintaining sanitary practices.
• Prompt Medical Attention: Visiting the nearest health facility if experiencing watery stool more than twice within eight hours and reporting any suspected cases.

The state’s Epidemiology unit is on high alert, with intensified surveillance by LGA disease surveillance and notification officers. Cholera test kits and other necessary treatment supplies have been distributed to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, highlighted that the Ministry has mandated all eateries, banks, malls, and fueling stations to make their toilets available for public use to prevent open defecation. Additionally, the state government has begun constructing 100 public toilets across Ogun State to further combat the outbreak.

Dr. Coker assured the public that cholera treatment is free in all government facilities across the state and encouraged citizens to report any suspected cases to designated phone numbers.

The Ogun State government remains committed to protecting the lives of its residents and minimizing the impact of the cholera outbreak. Dr. Coker reiterated the necessity of community cooperation in adhering to preventive measures and seeking timely medical attention to curb the spread of the disease.