- The proactive moves are in reaction to the outbreak of cholera in parts of Lagos State
The Osun State Government said it is putting in place emergency measures to forestall the outbreak of cholera in the state.
In a statement on Friday, Jola Akintola, Commissioner for Health disclosed that the state has reactivated and established the Public Health Rapid Response Team, PHRRT and Public Health Emergency Management Committee, PHEMC.
The government said it is to ensure substantial surveillance activities in order to guarantee the health of the citizens.
The statement which revealed that Osun is yet to record a confirmed case of cholera added that it has activated statewide heightened surveillance and response.
Citizens who were coming home for the Eid el-Kabir festival were also advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
The statement reads: “The Osun State Government hereby notifies its citizens of cholera outbreak in neighbouring Lagos State where, five confirmed deaths and 60 hospitalisation were reported.
“The cases of severe gastroenteritis reported were in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas.
“ The Oyo State Government has been notified of the two admitted suspected cases from Lagos State in one of the private hospitals in Ibadan.
“Osun 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.
“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 neighbouring states for celebrations to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of cholera.”
The government disclosed that as part of its preparedness and response plan, it has put in place, The Cholera Technical Working Group is in place and have swung into action.
The statement added: “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 media are also used to increase sensitisation on prevention of Cholera disease. Local leaders and traditional rulers are being mobilised 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 organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations to extend our reach in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
“Our health facilities have been adequately equipped to manage suspected cases.”
While enjoining the citizens of the state to work together to ensure a safe and healthy festive period, the government urged them to report any symptoms of cholera to the nearest health facility