The Ogun State government on Monday announced a cholera outbreak in the state, with 25 cases in seven local government areas and a casualty in the Ijebu North.

At a press briefing at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta, the state Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, said nine of the 25 cases have been confirmed, but 16 others are still under close monitoring.

Ms Coker said the state government was prepared to curb the spread and protect residents’ lives and health.

The commissioner said the ministry had received an alert about the first two cases on June 12, which, according to her, tested positive with a cholera rapid diagnostic kit.

“The two cases had travel history to Lagos State 24hrs before presentation; as of today, June 24 2024, Ogun State has recorded 25 suspected cases of cholera in seven LGAs, namely, Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda, Sagamu, Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode, with nine confirmed case and unfortunately, one death,” she stated.

Ms Coker added, “Consequent upon these findings, it is imperative to declare an ongoing Cholera Outbreak in Ogun State.”

She also stated that the state had already been prepared before the outbreak, as “a robust surveillance system was in place in all 20 local government authorities which ensured prompt detection of cases.”

“The initial eight cases originated from Lagos State, the reported epicentre of the cholera outbreak and a state that shares a border with four of our local governments. The eight cases had a travel history to Lagos, and six reported taking tiger nut drinks while in Lagos. Furthermore, we also promptly diagnosed cholera in five of the contacts of the patients with a travel history to Lagos State,” she said.

According to Ms Coker, the government has sensitised private health facilities and residents to report suspected cholera cases to the state response team via 08038642812, 07034214893, and 08084250881.

She added that the government also distributed test skits and consumables for treatment to all local government areas.

Ms Coker also said her ministry was collaborating with the ministries of environment, information, education and other relevant agencies.

While warning against the risk factors for cholera, which include eating contaminated food and drink, unhygienic sanitary conditions, and poor personal hygiene, Ms Coker listed some of the state LGAs identified to be at high risk and hotspots for the outbreak as Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Adoodo Ota.