In Nigeria, cholera as a seasonal and endemic disease, typically strikes during the rainy season and is more common in places with inadequate environmental sanitation.
It is noteworthy that recently, Osun State Ministry of Health has notified citizens of cholera outbreak in neighbouring States such as Lagos State where 37 confirmed deaths and over 100 hospitalizations were reported, Ondo State with 2 confirmed cases and Ogun State with confirmed cases as well.
Osun State Government through the Ministry of Health, has proactively reactivated and established the Public Health Rapid Response Team (PHRRT) and Cholera Technical Working Group (CTWG) respectively, to ensure adequate surveillance and risk communication activities in order to guarantee the health of the citizens.
Though, Osun is yet to record any confirmed case of Cholera, adequate preventive measures have been put in place to prevent the occurrence, and respond to the outbreak in case we eventually record a case.
Epidemiological Summary
It covers suspected cases from epi week 1 to 24 (January 1 to June 22, 2024)Overall, Thirteen(13) suspected cases of Cholera were reported in Osun State
The thirteen suspected cases 6 LGAs: Osogbo(4), Egbedore(4), Oriade(2), Ede North(1), Ilesa West(1), Olorunda(1)All 13 samples sent to laboratory, of which 13(100%) were negative,0 positive and no pending result.
STEPS TAKEN
Social Mobilization an Risk Communication:Radio and Television awareness on Cholera, this is to sensitize the general populace on how to prevent, and what to do if they identify anyone with symptoms of cholera.
Social Medial Awareness: Awareness in schools and communitiesHouse to House sensitization has began in the most vulnerable communities.
Surveillance:Health Facility and Community Active Case Search in all the 30 LGAs3320 Community Informants i.e 10 per ward in all the 332 wards have been alerted on the need to intensify the search for cholera cases
The surveillance activities in the border LGAs has also been heightened.Updating of data unto Surveillance Outbreak sormas platform Data analysis for decision making
Alerts and Rumor were investigated
Analyzed Cholera Surveillance data Laboratory:
Highlights:Thirteen(13) sample(s) collectedAll 13 samples sent to laboratory, of which 13(100%) were negative, 0 positive and no pending resultCholera RDT kits and Transport media has been strategically distributed to some Health Facilities across the 30 LGAs
Case Management:ORS, IV fluids, Aqua tablets and other relevant medical commodities have been distributed to some health facilities within the state.
A dedicated Isolation centre has been identified in case we eventually record case(s).
Coordination:Coordinated Cholera Technical Working Group meetings
Ensured the general populace is Updated on the state’s activities on Cholera.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC):The IPC Focal persons for LGAs and Health Facilities have been charged to ensure IPC measures are strictly adhered to in health facilities.
NEXT STEPS
Intensification of public awareness on the prevention cholera and what to do if symptoms develops.Conduct regular Cholera TWG meetings Ensure the Ministry of Environment and RUWESA are actively involved.
Continue Health Facility and Community Active Case Seach across the 30 LGAs
Conduct Health Risk Assessment on
Cholera
Ensure the identified Isolation Centre is equipped.
Prepare and build capacities of health care workers especially those that will work in the Isolation Center.
Printing and prepositioning of surveillance data tools (Cholera community case definitions, Surveillance SOPs, contact listing and monitoring forms) at the HFs/Wards/Communities
Printing of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as posters and leaflets
