Ogun State government has intensified surveillance, while a robust machinery has been put in place to checkmate cholera outbreak across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

          Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made the disclosure in a press briefing, organised by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Ministries of Environment, Information and Strategy, Education, Science and Technology, as well as Water Corporation, to address the outbreak in the state, stating that the treatment of the disease would be free of charge in all government health facilities.

          Dr. Coker, who informed that the outbreak was detected in Ado-Odo/Ota, Abeokuta South and North, as well as Ijebu North and Ifo Local Government, said Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) had been activated and in response mode, to track cases in the state, adding that Information Education and Communication materials were being shared via electronic platforms, including social media, to sensitise the public about the outbreak.

          "To support the state response, the State Epidemiology Unit is on high alert. All LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have also intensified surveillance across all 20 LGAs; our private health facilities and citizens have been sensitised to heighten their index of suspicion and report any suspected case immediately to the following numbers: 08038642812,07034214893 and 08084250881”, she said.

The Commissioner stated that medications and essential consumables had been provided at LGAs and other strategic health facilities, urging people to desist from open defecation, practice proper personal hygiene by washing their fruits and vegetables, as well as cook foods properly before eating, drink clean water and go to the nearest health facility if their stool is watery and is more than twice within eight hours.

Speaking, her counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, emphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness and proper sanitation practices, to prevent further spread of Cholera, saying the Ministry was working tirelessly in ensuring that production of sachet water in the state was safe for consumption.

He revealed high surveillance in border towns in the state, just as the Ministry was collaborating with Lagos State government to contain the disease across its border towns, enjoining residents to properly dispose of wastes and ensure that water sources were clean and safe for consumption.

       On her part, General Manager, Water Corporation, Mrs. Muinat Jaji, assured of availability of clean and safe drinking water in the state, urging residents to report contaminated water sources.

Contributing, Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof, Abayomi Arigbabu, represented by Director, Secondary and Higher Education, Mr. Oluwole Majekodunmi, said measures had been taken to prevent Cholera from infiltrating schools across the state through prohibition of unverified food vendors, advising parents to take precautions regarding their wards.