Nigeria is currently facing a cholera outbreak, with multiple cases reported across the region. This disease is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera’s major symptom is severe diarrhea. Other symptoms include vomiting, muscle cramping, and electrolyte abnormalities.
Most people fail to comprehend the reality that cholera is a real disease. Frequent diarrhea is more than a mere annoyance; if symptoms are not treated, they can be fatal.
The Current Situation in The Country
Lagos State has been particularly affected by this outbreak, as there has been a notable increase in cholera cases that are suspected. Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti-Osa, and Lagos Island are among the neighborhoods in Lagos that are affected. Upon compiling data on probable cases of cholera, the Lagos State Government officially declared a cholera outbreak on June 9, 2024. As of June 13, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Lagos reported 324 suspected cases, 15 fatalities, and 40 recoveries.
Yet, Oyo and Ogun State, two of Lagos’ bordering states, also reported a few suspected cases of Cholera. From January 1, 2024, to June 11, 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases were reported nationwide by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in 30 states. About 90% of these instances are concentrated in ten states: Bayelsa, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Zamfara.
How Cholera Spreads
Remember that Vibrio cholerae is the causal agent of cholera. Vibrio cholerae lives in aquatic habitats and attaches itself to crustaceans, plankton, and biofilms. People sometimes consume raw or uncooked fish, which is most likely contaminated with this bacterium. In areas with inadequate water treatment, polluted water might be used to cook or drink. When this water is eaten by people, it can lead to cholera, which has severe side effects.
Does Cooking Contaminated Water Eliminate Vibrio Cholerae?
You may think, but isn’t cooking contaminated water at high temperatures supposed to help destroy bacteria? Cooking at high temperatures does kill bacteria. However, vibrio cholerae can survive if food is not prepared at a high temperature or is not sufficiently heated. Also, if the infected water simmers or boils at a low temperature, the bacteria may live.
Furthermore, vibrio cholerae can also contaminate food through a process known as cross contamination. For example, if cooked food comes into touch with surfaces, utensils, or hands that have already been in contact with vibrio cholerae through washing or cleaning, the food may get contaminated again.
Finally, fruits and vegetables might get infected if washed with untreated water. It is also common knowledge that street sellers do not always use basic hygiene procedures, which contributes to the spread of vibrio cholerae. They can introduce bacteria to the food if they prepare it with contaminated water or do not wash their hands thoroughly.
How To Prevent Cholera
Frequent handwashing with soap: Always wash your hands thoroughly with antiseptic-infused water and soap before preparing meals, eating, and after using the restroom.
Safe food handling practices: Vibrio cholerae can survive at low boiling temperatures, therefore always boil your water at a high temperature and prepare your food thoroughly. Remember that food can become cross-contaminated, thus use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to avoid the bacterium from being transferred.
Avoid roadside food: Vibrio cholerae can spread because some roadside vendors might not follow the recommended hygiene precautions. Therefore, it’s advisable to stay away from these kinds of foods entirely and eat something that has been properly prepared by you. To prevent contamination, make sure you thoroughly wash your fruits, veggies, and other produce with clean water. Drink boiled or chlorine-treated water, as they are effective ways to purify water.
Conclusion
One thing you should be aware of when it comes to cholera is dehydration. Cholera-related deaths are mostly caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
A person loses vital electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and chloride when they have severe cholera symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. As such, you should be alert for symptoms such as extreme thirst, lightheadedness, and weakness. Do not wait to get medical attention if you or anybody nearby has severe diarrhea or vomiting.
