Lagos State Government has swiftly responded to a cholera outbreak at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, where 25 cases of severe gastroenteritis were confirmed.
According to Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, urgent medical and environmental intervention measures have been implemented with success.
The outbreak, traced to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supply, has prompted the government to enforce environmental health countermeasures. Abayomi disclosed that samples from popular street beverages tested positive for vibrio cholera bacteria, highlighting the need for regulation.
The government has supplied the prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention materials, and other health consumables, with support from the World Health Organisation. Immediate water and sanitation issues have been corrected, and inspections of other correctional facilities are ongoing.
Abayomi urged the public to take personal responsibility for their health, consuming safe water, food, and beverages, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise. Treatment for suspected cholera remains free in government hospitals.
The government’s swift response has contained the outbreak, with no new deaths reported in the last 72 hours. The public is advised to remain vigilant and support the government’s efforts to eliminate transmission.
