- The number of fatalities from the Lagos cholera outbreak has increased
- Unregistered tiger nut drink has been identified as the major cause
- A local salad, commonly referred to as “Abacha” was identified years back during a similar incidence
The commercial hub of Nigeria, Lagos, is currently facing a cholera outbreak that has claimed the lives of over 20 people out of over 417 suspected cases.
Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, said on Saturday, June 22, that there had been an increase in the number of fatalities recorded from the disease across 20 different Local Government Areas (LGA) in the state.
Unregisted tiger nut drink caused current cholera outbreak
Authorities have established that the outbreak was caused by the consumption of an unregistered tiger nut drink, allegedly sold in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The special health adviser to the Lagos state governor, Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, identified tiger nut drink as a significant denominator in an interview with Punch on Saturday, June 22. She noted that the majority of the cases in Eti-Osa Local Government Area confirmed they had consumed the drink before presenting with diarrhea and other symptoms of cholera at the hospitals.
Abacha caused cholera outbreak of 2013, 2016
However, the current cholera outbreak is not the first to happen in recent times. In September 2016, there were cases of cholera outbreak in which the state’s Commissioner for Health then, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed that 45 cases were recorded, and 2 out of the 6 deaths recorded were brought in dead.
The commissioner also disclosed at the time that the main cause of the outbreak was traced to the consumption of a staple food, commonly known as abacha, in the Isolo council region.
Similarly, in 2013, when cholera spread in the state, Dr. Jide Idris, who was also the Commissioner for Health, said: “The suspected cases that were recorded have been contracted from food sources such as the African salad popularly called abacha, well-water sources, especially in areas like Ikare community, Amuwo-Odofin local government area and Badia area of Apapa local government area, as well as other infected foods from food sellers and other unhygienic habits.”
Netizens react to street food causing cholera
“NAFDAC that is now interested in revenue generation? Living in Nigeria is tantamount to going to the war front, each day you survive you live,” Nnaemeka Anijah tweeted.
“I have stop buying drinks on roadside & traffic because that's where most of this are sold. It quite disheartening that the bad eggs are spoiling business for the good ones who earn a living from hawking, but prevention is better than cure,” A new Nigeria is Possible mentioned on X.
“NAFDAC died with Dora Akunyili, what we have now is agency that generates income.... So sad,” Engr. Almeida said on X.
“No matter the temptation, for now avoid buying: zobo drink, tigernut drink, kunu outside for now. If possible, avoid buying cooked food or snacks whose preparatory process you do not find to be hygienic. Cholera outbreak is sweeping more than reported. Don't be a victim. Please share,” Oluwatoyin Omowumi tweeted.
“This is getting serious. What are the preventive measures our medicals are taking to avoid a pandemic,” Showpee also mentioned on X.
“Make I no hear say dem spend 600B ontop cholera treatment,” Benin pikin added.
“Food authorities and sanitation officials go to restaurants and shop owners only for bribes. In 2024 a NASS member prefers the safety of cows - malu to that of humans tells all about our value system. Your post sums up all about Nigeria,” Saint Onikhe also tweeted.
Cholera crisis is now official in Nigeria, NCDC activates emergency centre
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian government declared cholera to be a crisis, following the increase in the number of fatalities.
The cholera fatality rate was estimated to be 3.5% since the beginning of the year 2024, with 1,528 suspected cases and 53 deaths in 31 states and 107 local government areas as of June 24.