No reported case of cholera in Osun, says Govt

—- urges citizens to exercise caution during Eid El- kabir celebration

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State Government has affirmed that the State  has not  record a confirmed case of Cholera.

Meanwhile, the State Government has urged its citizens travelling from and to Lagos State to exercise caution and  take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of cholera during the Eid El- kabir celebration.

The warning, according to the State Government became necessary following cholera outbreak in the neighboring States Lagos State where 5 were reportedly confirmed deaths and 60 hospitalized.

The State Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, in a statement signed said the State through the Ministry of Health, has 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.

The statement reads: “As part of our preparedness and response plan, we have put in place the following:

“The Cholera Technical Working Group is in place and have swung into action. LGA Disease Surveillance Notification Officers, Health Facility Focal Persons and Community informants have been positioned to increase surveillance activities at the local level and to educate residents on cholera preventive measures.

“We have directed our Rapid Response Teams at State and LGA levels to be at alert. We have put in place the Cholera Technical Working Group for coordination. We have made provision for medical supplies, including re-hydration solutions and antibiotics.

“Public awareness campaigns on the importance of drinking safe water and maintaining proper hygiene practices are ongoing and intensified. Local and Social medias are also used to increase sensitization on prevention of Cholera disease. Local leaders and traditional rulers are being mobilized 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 organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nation to extend our reach in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Our health facilities have been adequately equipped to manage suspected cases.”

Though, Osun is yet to record a confirmed case of Cholera, the State Government has activated statewide heightened surveillance and response.

As the festive period approaches, we urge our citizens traveling from and to Lagos and other neighboring states for celebrations to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of cholera.

Symptoms of Cholera:

Severe watery diarrhea

Vomiting

Rapid dehydration

Muscle cramps

Fever

Sometimes collapse

Precautionary Measures:

Ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water

Avoid ice products made from untreated water

Maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices

Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water

Avoid open defecation.

What to Do if you find anyone with symptoms of Cholera

Report to the nearest health facility or call

 08033500858, 08035789356, 08135081156, 08064460738

Let us work together to ensure a safe and healthy festive period.

Stay informed, stay safe!

Honorable Commissioner for Health

Osun State.