Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, has cautioned the public against consuming unregulated and unregistered beverages to prevent exposure to contaminated drinks. This advisory comes amid the state’s ongoing cholera outbreak, which has resulted in 29 deaths and 579 suspected cases as of June 23.
During a multi-agency news briefing on Monday, Prof. Abayomi highlighted the consumption of street beverages as a potential factor in the outbreak. “It’s not surprising that a few of our suspected cases referred to the consumption of a beverage,” he noted, while also acknowledging that patients mentioned other sources, such as sachet water, bottled water, and carbonated drinks.
“My advice to the public is check the NAFDAC number of beverages bought on the street; if it’s not certified by NAFDAC, avoid it,” Prof. Abayomi warned, emphasizing the importance of only consuming beverages that have been approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Prof. Abayomi pointed out that liquid beverages are produced in batches, complicating efforts to trace contamination. “When we go back to a particular location where they are manufacturing street beverages, we may not find anything at all because the batch that was contaminated has been completely distributed,” he explained.
The Commissioner indicated that the state is investigating the source of the water used by beverage manufacturers and is conducting tests to pinpoint the cholera source. He mentioned ongoing efforts to regulate street manufacturers and plans to introduce a Safe Plate and Safe Drinking Initiative to ensure food and beverage safety.
Regarding cholera vaccination, Prof. Abayomi stated that the state is cautious about introducing new vaccines. “We have to be very sure that the introduction of the oral cholera vaccine will actually make a difference before we expose you to a new vaccine,” he said, citing the need for careful consideration given current global and national sensitivities around vaccines.
In addition, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, reported that no cholera cases have been recorded in the state’s public and private schools. He assured that an advisory has been issued to parents, guardians, and school authorities to adhere to safety guidelines.
Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, addressed the issue of open defecation, identifying it as a significant health threat. “The state government will provide new public toilets around the state to curb open defecation,” he announced.
The Lagos State government first alerted residents to the outbreak on June 11, with confirmation on June 15 that the cholera strain involved is highly aggressive and contagious.
