The Lagos State Government has identified an unregistered tiger nut drink as the source of the recent cholera outbreak in the state.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the outbreak has affected multiple local government areas, including Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, and Kosofe, with hospitals reporting a high number of cases. As of June 21, Lagos had recorded 24 deaths and 35 confirmed cholera cases, with Eti-Osa being the epicenter of the outbreak.
Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, revealed that a survey conducted in Eti-Osa LGA found a common factor among cholera patients – consumption of the unregistered tiger nut drink.
Unbranded Tiger Nut Drinks
“We found empty bottles with a name on them, but we discovered that it wasn’t even registered with NAFDAC, the regulatory body that ensures the safety of consumables,” Ogunyemi said. Authorities traced the drink’s origin but found only empty bottles with an unreachable phone number.
Ogunyemi emphasized that cholera is also water-borne, so water samples were tested, and stool samples confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholera subtype 01, the most infectious and aggressive type. “We took stool samples because different things cause diarrhea. It could be anything else.
But we found out it was confirmed cholera, specifically Vibrio cholera subtype 01, which is the most infectious and aggressive type,” she explained.
Ogunyemi urged residents to practice good hygiene and ensure that consumed items are registered with appropriate government agencies.
“We encourage people to practice good hygiene and ensure that what they buy is registered with the appropriate agencies,” she said.