Unregistered Tiger Nut Drinks Cause Lagos Cholera Outbreak
Cholera Outbreak Linked to Unregulated Tiger Nut Drinks
The Lagos State Government has confirmed that unregistered tiger nut drinks are responsible for the recent cholera outbreak in the state. Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, revealed that investigations traced the outbreak to these beverages. The surge in cholera cases, particularly in Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti-Osa, began between June 10 and 11, 2024. The outbreak, exacerbated by environmental factors and inadequate sanitation, is linked to the consumption of contaminated drinks sold by street vendors.
Dr. Ogunyemi explained that the contaminated tiger nut drinks were not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), indicating they bypassed safety regulations. This led to widespread consumption of unsafe products, contributing significantly to the outbreak. Efforts to trace the source were hampered by the inability to find full bottles of the drink, as only empty bottles were available, rendering testing challenging.
Government’s Response to the Cholera Crisis
In response to the cholera outbreak, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has launched an intensive campaign to mitigate the spread of the disease. Environmental Health Services officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment have been dispatched to affected areas to ensure proper sanitation and educate the public on preventive measures.
The government has set up an emergency response office in Yaba and has been actively testing water and stool samples to identify cholera cases. Public health campaigns emphasize the importance of handwashing and avoiding unregistered food and beverages. Additionally, hospitals have been equipped with rapid diagnostic tests for immediate detection of cholera, and treatment is provided free of charge at public health facilities.
Impact of the Outbreak on the Community
The cholera outbreak has significantly impacted the daily lives of Lagos residents, especially in the most affected areas. There have been 21 reported fatalities as of June 22, 2024, with many more cases treated in hospitals. The government’s public awareness campaigns have led to increased vigilance among residents, who are now more cautious about consuming unregistered beverages and maintaining hygiene.
Despite these efforts, the outbreak has caused disruptions, particularly during the Ileyah celebrations, which saw a spike in cases. The NCDC continues to monitor the situation closely, conducting risk assessments and collaborating with organizations like UNICEF, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization to prevent further spread. Schools remain open, but teachers have been instructed to monitor students for symptoms and ensure proper hydration.
The unregistered tiger nut drinks have underscored the critical need for regulatory compliance to ensure public health safety. As the government continues its efforts to contain the outbreak, residents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit cholera symptoms and to avoid self-medication, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
