Lagos cholera outbreak linked to unregistered tiger nut drink in Eti-Osa LGA, says health officials. Investigations reveal consumption of the drink preceded illness. Samples confirm Vibrio cholera subtype 01. The government intensifies awareness efforts to curb the spread in affected areas like Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, and Kosofe.
In response to the cholera outbreak in Lagos State's Eti-Osa LGA, health officials have attributed the surge in cases to an unregistered tiger nut drink. Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the governor on health, disclosed that investigations revealed patients had consumed this drink before falling ill.
The government conducted thorough surveys and contact tracing efforts similar to those used for COVID-19, retrieving empty bottles bearing untraceable contacts and unregistered labels.
Samples of the suspected drink and water sources were collected for testing, confirming the presence of Vibrio cholera subtype 01, the most contagious strain. Ogunyemi emphasized that affected areas like Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, and Kosofe had the highest hospitalization rates due to cholera symptoms.
Despite challenges in testing empty bottles, the government intensified public awareness campaigns to prevent further escalation.
