The Lagos State Government has urged residents to maintain high personal and environmental hygiene standards at all times, in order to prevent an outbreak of epidemic.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said in a statement on Thursday that such hygiene would prevent the spread of gastroenteritis, also known as vomiting and diarrhoea, which had been reported in the state.
Reviewing the situation report on identified cases in the state, Abayomi said that 117 cases of the disease had been diagnosed at health facilities in five local government areas.
According to him, following the report of the cases, rapid response teams at the affected LGAs, led by medical officers, have been activated.
“Stool specimens were collected for laboratory tests to confirm the micro-organism causing the vomiting and diarrhoea.
“Surveillance has also been scaled up in communities within the affected council areas to stop the spread of the infection. The results of laboratory tests will be published once the source pathogen is identified,” he said.
The commissioner said that the local government areas where such cases had been reported included: Lagos Island, Ajeromi, Apapa, Mushin and Ikeja.
He said that out of the 117 cases reported, 109 patients had been treated and discharged.
Abayomi explained that gastroenteritis was caused by micro-organisms similar to those that generate typhoid fever, cholera and certain viruses.
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He said that the ailment could be contracted through consumption of contaminated liquids or foods such as uncooked seafood or shellfish from estuarine waters.
“The disease affects both children and adults and can kill within hours, if it is untreated,” he said.
Abayomi identified the hygienic measures that could reduce the risk of contracting the infection as frequent and thorough washing of hands with soap and water as well as boiling of water before drinking, whenever the source was unfiltered.
He also advised residents to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them, and cook their food thoroughly.
The commissioner also emphasised the need to dispose waste materials properly, avoid open and indiscriminate defecation and keep water containers clean to prevent the spread of diseases.
“Citizens must ensure proper disposal of waste and ensure that they avoid possible back flow connection between the water and sewage system.
“It is important that citizens wash their hands with soap and running water thoroughly, especially after defecation, before eating or preparing food.
“Also, after being in contact with sick persons or after touching any item or surface that may have been contaminated, people must wash their hands thoroughly” he said.
The commissioner advised health workers to ensure that universal safety precautions were observed when dealing with patients.
He said that reports of any alarming increase in cases of gastroenteritis should be made to the medical officer of health in the affected council areas or the Directorate of Disease Control through telephone numbers 08023169485 and 08023608195.
NAN
