A deadly disease has broken out in Lagos State, the disease has infected over 117 residents of the state.
The disease has been identified as gastroenteritis, it is an infectious disease which results in the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach and small intestine. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Fever, lack of energy and dehydration may also occur.
Lagos State Government in relation to the disease outbreak has requested for all citizens to maintain high standard of personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of the measures to prevent the outbreak of epidemics, especially the spread of gastroenteritis also known as vomiting and diarrhea which has been reported in the State.
Pro. Akin Abayomi, who is the Commissioner of Health while making a statement on Thursday disclosed that about 117 people have been confirmed to be sick due to the disease which has been seen in health facilities in five local government areas.
He said, Following the report of these cases, Rapid Response Teams at the affected LGAs led by the Medical Officers of Health were activated, stool specimen were collected for laboratory test to confirm the micro-organism causing the vomiting and diarrhea while surveillance have also been scaled up in communities within the affected LGAs to stop the spread of the infection. The results of laboratory tests will be published once the source pathogen is identified,”
Abayomi noted that the places were the cases have been reported include:- Lagos Island, Ajeromi, Apapa, Mushin and Ikeja adding that out of the 117 cases reported, but luckily 109 of those infected have been treated and discharged.
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Abayomi believed that there is a connection between the outbreak and the current flooding situation due to the excessive rain.
He said, “Patients with gastroenteritis present with severe acute watery diarrhea and profuse vomiting. Those infected with micro-organisms causing the disease shows signs and symptoms within 12 hours to one week after ingesting contaminated food or water. The disease affects both children and adult and can kill within hours if untreated,”
“Citizens must ensure proper disposal of waste and ensure they avoid possible backflow connection between water and sewer system. It is important that citizens wash hands with soap and running water thoroughly especially after defecation, before eating or food preparation and when they have been in contact with a sick person or touch any item or surface that may have been contaminated”,