The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, has announced the state is dealing with 25 suspected cholera cases across seven local government areas, resulting in one death and nine confirmed cases.
During a press briefing in Abeokuta, Dr. Coker stated that the state epidemiology unit is on high alert. The affected areas include Ado Odo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode.
Dr. Coker explained that the Ministry of Health is coordinating the outbreak response with the Ministries of Environment, Information, and Education. Cholera treatment is free at all public health facilities in the state, and rapid response teams are on standby across all 20 local government areas.
“As of June 24, 2024, Ogun State has recorded 25 suspected cases of cholera in 7 LGAs, with 9 confirmed cases and one death,” Coker said. “We were alerted on June 12, 2024, about the first two cases, both of which tested positive and were treated at the State Hospital in Ota. These cases had traveled to Lagos 24 hours before showing symptoms.”
Cholera test kits and other necessary supplies have been distributed to all local government areas and designated treatment centers to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. The Ministry has identified high-risk areas, including Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Ado-Odo/Ota.
Dr. Coker urged residents to follow precautionary measures, noting that cholera vaccines are currently unavailable in the state. She also highlighted the challenge of disease spread due to movement from neighboring Lagos, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya announced the construction of over 60 public toilets to combat open defecation and improvements in waste management. Oresanya’s team is testing water sources, including boreholes and sachet water producers, for contamination.
The Ministry of Education, represented by Oluwole Majekodunmi, has intensified school monitoring and encouraged hygiene practices such as regular hand washing. The General Manager of Ogun State Water Corporation, Engr. Muinat Jaji, confirmed that water treatment has been ramped up, increasing water supply from 82 million liters to 162 million liters daily to provide safe water for Abeokuta residents.
