Ogun State government on Wednesday warned residents of the state of possible outbreak of diseases of public health concern associated the dry season.
The spoke through a statement issued by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, saying such diseases likes of Yellow Fever, Measles and particularly Cholera, which is a water and foodborne disease, were common in the dry season.
She therefore, advised residents to ensure they have a good water source and treatment while the season lasts.
The health commissioner noted that Cholera is characterised by severe vomiting and diarrhoea which can cause rapid deterioration of health and death, if not managed on time.
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She further called on residents to practise regular and proper handwashing as well as proper disposal of faeces.
Particularly, Dr. Coker cautioned against open defecation.
She advised residents with symptoms to seek immediate help from the nearest health facility, noting that early case detection and proper management can save a life.
She disclosed that the Ministry was notified of the unfortunate demise of two school-age children from the same school and same compound following an episode of Gastroenteritis, which suggested a possible water-borne disease, cholera.
The statement added: “Investigation led by the Ogun State Commissioner for Health along with officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Abeokuta South Local Government, revealed that the children died of a severe case of vomiting and diarrhoea.
“The government in its bid to stop the spread of the disease has put in place community sensitisation and advocacy. We have sent Cholera alert to all health facilities in the state and engaged in prepositioning of materials for case management in government hospitals.”
