The Ogun State Government on Wednesday revealed that it has recorded a total of 135 cases of cholera since June 2024.
Dr. Omotosho Olubukola from the Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ogun State, shared this information during the quarterly State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee (S-SOMTEC) meeting organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Dr. Omotosho stated that out of the 135 reported cases, four patients died, while 131 have been discharged.
She highlighted that those discharged were treated at government facilities at no cost.
The first cholera case in the state was reported on June 17, 2024, resulting in the death of a 62-year-old woman in the Ijebu-Igbo area.
Dr. Omotosho mentioned that the majority of the cholera cases were reported in local government areas including Ado-Odo Ota, Ijebu North, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ipokia, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo, Sagamu, Odeda, Ewekoro, and Remo North.
She noted that the outbreak was brought into the state by two brothers who contracted the disease in Lagos State after consuming contaminated tiger nut drink before traveling to Remo North.
She added that the outbreak poses a high risk of spreading in areas with poor sanitation, open defecation, improper waste disposal, and lack of access to clean water.
She explained that cholera symptoms include severe painless watery diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, and in extreme cases, can lead to death within hours due to dehydration.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adeshina, emphasized that the S-SOMTEC meeting reflects the state government’s commitment to the welfare of mothers and children, who play crucial roles in society.
Adeshina stressed that children represent the future, and their survival and development must be prioritized.
He stated, “Equally important are mothers, who are essential for bringing life into the world. It is for this reason that our government, along with partners like UNICEF, is dedicated to ensuring that both mothers and children receive the care they deserve.
“Our goal as a government is to ensure that no mother or child, regardless of their socio-economic status, is neglected in our maternal and infant health programs. This commitment aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on inclusivity and the well-being of all individuals.”
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