Ogun Moves to Curtail Outbreak of Gastroenteritis

Abolade Sokunbi in Abeokuta

Ogun State has recorded the outbreak of gastroenteritis in Magboro, Ofada Ward of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state. The disease, which is also known as stomach flu, is an intestinal infections marked by diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. The disease is spread by having contact with an infected person or contaminated water or food.

In a statement signed by

The Commissioner for Health of the state, Dr. Tomi Coker, said in a statement that the reported case of the outbreak is predominant among motorcycle riders and scavengers in the area.

According to the commissioner, the index case who was reported to have returned from a trip outside the state has been linked to the source of the outbreak, while the common public toilet used has been the channel of transmission.

Coker added that the causative agent cannot be confirmed yet because appropriate sample could not be collected as there were no active case yet to commence antibiotics.

The commissioner pointed out that a number of people are currently receiving treatment to control the number of casualties.

Coker also noted that an unregistered clinic run by a quack has also contributed to the outbreak, as the cases were being managed unreported.

According to her, a treatment centre has been set up at the Magboro-Akeran Health Centre where treatment items have been made available by The Department of Public Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health.

She added that neighbouring communities have equally been sensitised on steps to take and where to seek care or report any suspicious cases, while the suspected public toilet had been sealed for sanitisation.

Traditional rulers in the area, according to Coker, have also been engaged for their support in keeping their communities safe and calm, while healthcare workers continue active surveillance in the affected community.