Cholera, an acute diarrhoea disease has claimed the lives of 6 people in Lagos state after consuming a local delicacy called ‘Abacha’.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris confirmed the deaths and added that 39 other people were under observation and receiving treatment in health centers in the Isolo area of Lagos where it seems the outbreak occurred.
According to the Punch, Idris told newsmen; “Six deaths were recorded among the 45 cases. Majority of the patients did not present with the classical rice-water stool, rather they presented with atypical diarrhoea and vomiting.
“After a thorough analysis of the ano-rectal swabs that were collected from 15 cases, vibrio cholerae was confirmed and found to be the Ogawa strain of the virus.
“Twenty-two of the 26 that were being managed at the Isolo General Hospital and the Lagos Mainland Hospital have been discharged, one died, while three are still on admission at the Lagos Mainland Hospital. The three patients are still on admission but they are in stable condition.”
Idris also stated that after analysis, the local food ‘Abacha’ was discovered to be responsible for the outbreak.
“The main suspected source of infection is the salad called Abacha, a staple food that is consumed regularly in the area. Samples of the local salad and the well water they consume in the area revealed the presence of vibrio cholerae, Salmonella species and E.coli in Abacha and the water sample taken from one of the two wells in the area.” he said.