The members of the public have been called upon to observed and maintain adequate personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent the outbreak of cholera epidemic in the state.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris has made this call in a statement signed by the ministry’s Public Relation Officer, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo.

CEOAFRICA news desk has gathered according to the report that the suspected outbreak of cholera in some states in Nigeria has called for the need to ensure high standard of hygiene at all times.

Speaking on the menace of Cholera, the commissioner explained that cholera is acquired through the ingestion of an infective dose of contaminated food or water and can be transmitted through many mechanisms like direct or indirect contamination of water or food by feaces of infected individuals.

He listed measures to be taken as including washing of hands with soaps and water frequently and thoroughly; boiling of water before drinking if the source of the water is in doubts; washing of fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating; cooking of food thoroughly before eating; disposing of waste material properly and keeping of water containers clean.

Dr. Idris however, urged the public to be vigilant and reported any suspected case, dead or alive, to the nearest health facility; further explaining that cholera is an acute contagious bacterial disease that is characterized by severe form of sudden onset of profuse painless watery stools, nausea and profuse vomiting.