As cholera runs wild across the north, the infection seems to be spreading fast to other parts of the country, particularly the South West. LARA ADEJORO writes on the suspected cholera cases and deaths ravaging Hausa communities in Lagos and Ogun states
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, over 65,145 suspected cholera cases including 2,141 deaths have been reported from 23 states and FCT in 2021.
The spread of cholera infection across the country unfortunately is also happening at a time the nation is battling other public health challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and sporadic outbreaks of Lassa fever.
While the surge in cholera cases has been predominant in the northern part of the country, PUNCH HealthWise findings revealed that a traveller from the north might have transmitted the disease to members of the Hausa community in the Magboro area of Ogun State. Scores of persons in the Magboro community are reported to have died after presenting with an ailment whose symptoms include stooling, vomiting and dehydration.
PUNCH HealthWise findings also revealed an outbreak of gastroenteritis among the Hausa residents of the Mile 12 areas of Lagos.
Our correspondent, however, confirmed from the Baale of the community, Modiu Adewole Ademuyiwa, Alalade Magboro of Akeran land, and residents of the area that it was an outbreak of cholera.
In a statement signed by Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, the Ogun State Government said the reported case of the outbreak is predominant among okada riders and scavengers in the Magboro area.
According to the statement, the index case reported was of a patient that returned from a trip outside the state.
The statement also noted that the common public toilet used by people of the community has been linked to the transmission.
However, a professor of public health, Tanimola Akande said cholera is one of the various types of gastroenteritis.
“It is specifically caused by bacteria called vibrio cholerae. It presents with more severe vomiting and diarrhea.
“Gastroenteritis presents as diarrhoea, vomiting abdominal cramps, nausea and sometimes with a fever. It is common in all seasons but epidemics occur in some seasons particularly in the wet season,” he added.
From the north to the west
However, the outbreak of gastroenteritis is not limited to only the Magboro area of Ogun state.
PUNCH HealthWise findings revealed that gastroenteritis cases in numbers are also now being reported at health facilities in the Mile 12 area of Lagos state.
A visit to the Sawmill area where most of the Hausa residents stay confirmed this development.
Our correspondent who visited the area also finds that the residents could be more at risk of the infection because of the unhygienic environment with many of them living in makeshift zinc and wooden structure without access to potable water.
The area is also overwhelmed by the waste products of its ever-growing population.
One of the suspected gastroenteritis patient receiving treatment at Elim Convalescent Clinic, Mile 12, Lagos on Thursday
However, the ever-busy area was deserted when our correspondent visited on Thursday. PUNCH HealthWise findings revealed that the fear-stricken Hausa settlers have been forced to flee the community in large numbers over the fear of the suspected cholera outbreak ravaging the area.
It was learnt that hundreds of people who are majorly the Hausa settlers travelled to their states.
Speaking with our correspondent, Chairman of Hausa Community in the area, Musa Oseni said the state government officials had visited the area and advised the residents to report to the Magboro Primary Health Centre if they suspect any case.
“All I know is that the people that died had cholera because they were stooling, vomiting, and were dehydrated before they eventually died.
“One of them died last Friday and his family member that used to stay here has travelled to the village.
“I have heard that six people have died since Friday and Saturday and since then, no one has died, no one has been stooling,” Oseni said.
Our correspondent observed that the public toilet used by the Hausa community was under lock and key.
“They said the medication is free. But many people have travelled back to their state. out of fear. More than a hundred people have travelled,” Oseni added.
Also, another Hausa man at the Cele Bus-stop of the community, who identified himself as Muhammed said he heard about the outbreak but he was unbothered.
“Anything that wants to happen will happen, even if you are anywhere in the world.
“I know people died but I am not going anywhere,” he said.
Mr. Ladepo Duro-Ladipo, who is a resident in the area, said the sawmill area where the Hausa settlers stay is a spot of several activities.
“There are lots of activities here but it’s now turning to a ghost town. Ordinarily, if you come here you will see a huge crowd here and a lot of activities going on.
“But one thing about this area is the poor hygiene. In fact, you will see that the gutters and the surrounding are dirty.
“The dirty environment is of great concern for us as residents but they are not conscious of their health condition.
“Everybody is worried because everybody is vulnerable,” Duro-Ladipo said.
However, speaking with PUNCH HealthWise at the Magboro Community Primary Health Care Centre, a female official identified as Mrs. Idowu, said there has not been any confirmed case of cholera yet.
She, however, noted that cholera cases are being investigated, disclosing that officials from the World Health organisation have visited.
“All the people that were affected did not come here for treatment except one Hausa man who came but he had been to another health facility before coming here.
“When he came, he was only weak and we treated him,” she said.
