The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, provided an update on Sunday about a cholera outbreak affecting Kirikiri Medium Security Prison.
He reported that urgent medical and environmental actions had been successful, following support from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
News Central reports that 25 inmates at the prison have been severely affected by gastroenteritis linked to cholera.
Abayomi mentioned that immediate measures were taken, including providing intravenous fluids and infection prevention supplies to the prison.
He confirmed that WHO donated 10,000 doses of medicines to support health efforts for up to 3,200 inmates.
“We were able to supply Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention and other health consumables.
“Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals which have been delivered to the prison to support prison health facilities with prevention strategies for about 3,200 inmates if required,” he said.
He said water and sanitation issues at the prison were also addressed, and other correctional facilities in Lagos are under inspection.
Earlier, Abayomi had revealed that the initial outbreak originated from unregulated street drinks and contaminated water sources. Samples collected by environmental officers confirmed the presence of cholera-causing bacteria in these beverages, which lacked National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) accreditation.
He said efforts are underway to locate and shut down informal beverage production sites without NAFDAC numbers. The Environmental Health Directorate plans to seal these sites and apprehend those involved in manufacturing or distributing these drinks illegally.
The commissioner stressed the importance of public safety and ongoing vigilance to prevent further outbreaks in Lagos State.
