Cholera Outbreak: Osun Govt Calls For Calm, Says Efforts Ongoing To Prevent Disease

The Osun State Government has called for calm amidst the cholera outbreak in some parts of the country, stating that measures have been put in place to ensure that the state is not affected.

The food and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of the vibrio cholera bacteria broke out across the country last week, claiming the lives of 30 people.

Public health experts have noted that the disease could spread fast in schools if preventive measures were not in place.

Speaking in a telephone interview with OSUN DEFENDER, the Osun State Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola said the state government has been proactive in preventing the disease in the state.

Akintola noted that as soon as cases of cholera were reported in some states, the Ministry of Health swung into action and activated the Rapid Response Team. 

READ: Cholera: Lagos Death Toll Hits 21, Cases Rise To 401

The Commissioner appealed to residents to be conscious of their environment and abide by the guidelines. 

He said: “Immediately we heard about the outbreak in Lagos and suspected cases in Oyo State, we put all the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure we have no cases here. 

“Our Rapid Response Team at the ministry were activated. Also, the emergency management committee were activated and we did this in all the local governments.

“We’ve made jingles and release to talk about it. Also, we have been moving around to sensitise our people on how to guide against it and we will continue doing that.

“We want to assure our people that we are on top of the matter and we are doing everything possible to make sure Osun is safe. Our people should also help us by following the guidelines health-wise.”