Cholera outbreaks have killed 20 persons in Lagos and Niger states in the past week.

In Lagos, a couple died on Sunday at the Isolo General Hospital, after contracting the disease.

Mr. Emeto and his wife, Augustina, their daughter and a neighbour were allegedly rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital in the wee hours of Sunday.

Besides the couple, another man and a three-year-old were said to have died aslo in Isolo area of Lagos, making four deaths.

It was gathered that the victims started stooling, vomiting and exhibiting other symptoms after eating African salad, popularly called Abacha.

The Nation reported yesterday that hospitals on Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo, and environs were overfilled with cholera patients, an upsurge that started since October 9.

A three-year-old died at the weekend in one of the hospitals on Ago Palace Way; a mother and her three children were also brought in unconscious to another private facility.

All the cases, sources said, were traceable to the consumption of the staple at Cele Bus Stop in the area.

Checks by our correspondent indicated that the Abacha seller at the bus stop had also been a contact point whenever there was a cholera outbreak in the state.

Abacha is a local delicacy made from fermented cassava and garnished with other ingredients like oil bean seeds, palm oil, potash, and garden eggs. However, there have been concerns about the hygiene condition during its preparation and at the point of sale.

The deaths of the Emetos, who were described as devoted Catholics, rattled fellow parishioners at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Isolo.

The residents have been advised to steer clear of the staple.

One of the voice notes shared by a man, identified simply as Romanus, confirmed the couple’s death.

He said: “Around 1 a.m (on Sunday), we got a call that we lost one of our brothers (Emeto). The report was that his wife and daughter were vomiting and stooling and he took them to the hospital.

“On getting to the hospital, he also started to stool and vomit. It was discovered that they ate Abacha on Saturday (said to have been) bought from a woman at Cele Bus Stop. The man died first and the body has been taken to the village.

“The daughter was treated.”

Another church member, who announced Mrs. Emeto’s death on Monday, said a neighbour who joined Mrs. Emeto in eating the staple also started to stool and vomit.

In Niger State, 16 persons have died out of the 165 recorded cases across the state, representing nine per cent mortality rate.

The Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Dangana Ibrahim, announced the deaths in Minna, the state capital.

The commissioner said 145 patients had been treated and discharged from various hospitals.

“To prevent further spread, contingency measures have been implemented, including the distribution of essential medical supplies to affected areas and health facilities,” he said.

Ibrahim listed affected local government areas as Paiko, Gurara, Suleja, Bosso, and Katcha, saying the disease surveillance system had been activated.

The commissioner also said the government had begun active contact tracing and case management in all affected communities.

Also, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, attributed poor hygiene to cholera outbreaks.

Speaking at the Global Hand-washing Day in Abuja, the minister emphasised that inadequate sanitation and hand-washing habits put public health at serious risk.

He said: “Hand-washing with soap remains the first line of defence against outbreaks and reducing the spread of waterborne diseases.”

The minister called for accelerated investment in hygiene infrastructure in homes, schools, and public spaces to close existing gaps.

According to him, better hygiene practices are essential to improving health outcomes, reducing school absenteeism, and boosting productivity.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that 54 new suspected Mpox cases were recorded in Nigeria during Week 39 of 2024, marking a decline from the 75 cases reported in the previous week.

The NCDC stated this in its latest epidemiological report published on its official website.

According to the agency, the number of confirmed Mpox cases increased, with six new confirmations in Week 39 compared to three the week before.

“The cumulative figures for 2024 show that 84 confirmed cases and 1,237 suspected cases have been reported so far this year,” it said.

Despite the rise in confirmed cases, it said that the country has maintained a low Case Fatality Rate (CFR), with zero deaths recorded from confirmed cases in 2024.

The public health agency noted that as of Week 39, 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reported confirmed cases of Mpox, affecting 57 Local Government Areas. Plateau, Delta, FCT, Katsina, and Imo states confirmed new cases in the past week.

“Since the outbreak began in September 2017, Nigeria has reported 5,054 suspected cases and 1,170 confirmed cases, with males making up 68 per cent of confirmed cases, mostly aged 21 to 45,” it added.

It said that the National Mpox Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to coordinate the response to the outbreak, collaborating with multiple sectors and partners to contain the spread.

The NCDC explained the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintaining good hand hygiene, and using protective gear when caring for suspected cases.

It noted that healthcare providers have been urged to remain vigilant, especially in affected areas, and to isolate suspected cases promptly to prevent further transmission.

The agency said it’s also actively engaged in public education, encouraging citizens to report symptoms early and adhere to isolation guidelines if diagnosed with Mpox.

“The public is advised to exercise caution, particularly in states where cases have been reported. Citizens can contact the NCDC’s toll-free number (6232) for more information or to report suspected cases,” the agency advised.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe.

Mpox is characterised by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

The disease can spread from animals to humans, as well as between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health bodies renamed monkeypox to “mpox” in 2022 to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.

(NAN)

By Francesca Hngeior.

A primary healthcare consultant, Dr Yewande Omikunle, has canvassed an improvement in breast cancer education in Nigeria.

Omikunle said a comprehensive health policy reform is one way to get this done.

Omikunle, who is the Director of Public Affairs at Sarah Ayoka Oduwaiye Foundation (SAOF Cancer Charity), said this in a statement on Tuesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is annually held in October.

She expressed concern that despite spreading breast cancer awareness, some communities in the country are not adequately informed.

She said, “We must know that numerous ethical issues apply to breast cancer and other chronic cancer diagnoses including informed consent; education of relatives, friends, and the public; patients’ comfort in the discussion of their diagnoses and treatment; access to care; and allocation of scarce resources.

“Breast cancer remains a formidable health challenge in Nigeria, where a significant number of women succumb to the disease, often diagnosed in its late stages.

“The lack of knowledge, deeply ingrained cultural and religious beliefs, and various barriers impede regular breast cancer screening, contributing to the alarming mortality rates among Nigerian women.”

As part of efforts to raise enlightenment, the consultant noted that the SAOF cancer charity embarked on public awareness by dispelling myths, providing factual information, and advocating increased access to affordable and convenient screening services across Nigeria.

She said, “Nigerian society must address these barriers collectively and ensure that every woman has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to detect breast cancer early.

“By fostering a culture of openness, education, and proactive healthcare, we can strive towards reducing the burden of breast cancer mortality and improving the quality of life for all Nigerian women.

“As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, let us unite in the fight against breast cancer, breaking down barriers, raising awareness, and advocating for early detection and access to quality care. There is a need for stronger government intervention and support to bolster existing initiatives and ensure that breast cancer education reaches every corner of Nigeria.”