Thread by @LSMOH

PRESS STATEMENT ON OUTBREAK OF GASTROENTERITIS

The attention of @LSMOH has been drawn to some misleading, alarming and sensational reports especially on some social media platforms about the outbreak of Gastroenteritis that was experienced in the State in the past weeks.

Of great concern is a voice note currently circulating on Whatsapp which emanated from an unidentified individual misinforming the public of alarming deaths occasioned by the disease thus creating fear.

This, we believe is the handiwork of mischief makers with an intent to deliberately cause panic amongst the populace. While we appeal for calm, it is pertinent to note that these misleading reports are made up, spurious, incorrect and do not represent fact.

Citizens are hereby advised to disregard any news about the disease that did not emanate from the official communication channels of the Lagos State Government @followlasg , the Ministry of Health @LSMOH or it officials.
@ProfAkinAbayomi
@gbenga_omo
@Mr_JAGs
@gboyegaakosile

It is true that an excess increase in the cases of Gastroenteritis was reported in some local government areas (LGAs) particularly in Lagos Island, Surulere, Mushin and Ajeromi since mid-October.

The outbreak is now under control and has subsided as a result of the policies and interventions that we have put in place and we want to assure citizens that we are on top of the situation.

Following the report of the outbreak, Rapid Response Teams at the affected LGAs were activated, samples were collected for laboratory test to confirm the micro-organism causing disease while surveillance have also been scaled up in communities within the affected LGAs.

Some samples sent to our laboratories tested positive for a type of cholera but we are not sure whether cholera is responsible for the entire outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting but we have some other samples for testing.

We are going to do some in-depth analysis to see whether this is just a case of cholera or whether there are other pathogens or agents that are contributing to this outbreak.
As at today, 400 cases of gastroenteritis have been recorded in health facilities in the affected LGAS.

370 of these cases have been treated and discharged. Unfortunately, we have also recorded 11 deaths due to the outbreak. The increase in number of cases of gastroenteritis is not unconnected with persistent rain with flooding of some LGAs in the State.

We have been very proactive in our response & management of the outbreak. As part of our response, we have activated an emergency operation centre (EOC) which is a command and control centre to fine tune logistics and resources around our response to the outbreak.

Also, our disease surveillance officers at the State and local government levels are currently carrying out intensive surveillance to stop the spread of the disease. We have also put in place & carrying out some measures and specific action plans to forestall future occurences.

This include upgrade of infrastructure in our facilities especially the PHC level; recruitment of more health workers; increasing the supply of drugs & consumables to health facilities; continuous clearing of drains & improving the supply of clean and portable water to residents

Although, Lagos is prone to seasonal infectious diseases like gastroenteritis because of its demography & low line megacity nature, we will however not relent in our effort to respond to any water born or airborne outbreaks that may happen in our State.

Members of the public are hereby advised to take precautionary measures by paying due attention to personal hygiene and environmental sanitation by keeping their environment clean, avoiding open defecation, ensuring drains are clean and imbibe the culture of regular hand washing.

We encourage you to wash your hands with soaps and water frequently and thoroughly, boil your water before drinking especially if the source is in doubts, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating; cook food thoroughly and dispose waste material properly.

You are advised to visit nearest health facilities early when you are sick and avoid going to work or school where you are likely to infect others. Health workers are also advised to take universal safety precautions when dealing with patients.

Health workers are encouraged to practice good hand washing techniques and report any alarming increase in cases of gastroenteritis-vomiting and diarrhea to the Medical Officer of Health in their local government or the Directorate of Disease Control.

For reports, clarification and more information on the outbreak of gastroenteritis, citizens and health workers can contact the Directorate of Disease Control through these lines: 08023169485 and 08023608195.
@jidesanwoolu
@ProfAkinAbayomi
#ForADiseaseFreeState
#ForAGreaterLagos